Faiza Tehseen
Lack of funds, smart technology and expertise is hindering lanthanum extraction and processing in Pakistan. Overcoming these barriers will lead the country toward economic growth and industrial advancement, opined Abdul Bashir, Chief Geologist at Koh-e-Daleel Mining Company (PVT) Limited, while talking exclusively to WealthPK.
“Pakistan has sufficient deposits of lanthanum bearing minerals, but this potential is yet to be tapped. The deposits are largely concentrated in the northern regions and Balochistan. With the transition toward greener technologies across the globe, rare earth metals (REEs), including lanthanum, are high in demand. To catalyse economic growth, proper framework to extract lanthanum is direly needed,” he noted. Lanthanum is ductile, malleable in nature and silvery-white in colour.
It does not occur in pure form that makes its extraction a little complex and costly. Principal lanthanum-bearing minerals are monazite and bastnasite. The percentage of lanthanum is usually up to 25% in monazite and up to 38% in bastnasite. The other lanthanum-bearing minerals are allanite and cerite. Lanthanum is extensively used as a petroleum cracking catalyst in oil refineries. It increases the malleability and resistivity of steel and is used in the production of optical lenses and radiation absorbing glasses.
It is an alloying agent for steels and cast irons and is used in the manufacture of lighter flints, wind turbines, and hybrid vehicle batteries, carbon arc-lighting, motion pictures, studio lighting, as well as cinema projection. Lanthanum can also be used to produce aerospace and strategic equipment. Bashir said China, the United States, and Australia dominated the market of lanthanum and other REEs across the globe and Pakistan can join their ranks by properly focusing on its extraction.
The growing need for green technologies and high-tech products is boosting the demand of lanthanum and other REEs, he added. “Technological advancement and foreign investment are necessary for lanthanum extraction. Local extraction will not only support the domestic industry but also the country in its efforts to meet the set environmental and energy goals. It is also necessary to position Pakistan as a significant player in the international REEs market,” he said.
He further said tremendous potential in a variety of minerals bearing REEs, including lanthanum, needed the policy makers’ attention. Local extraction and processing of lanthanum will open new windows of employment, trade, and business activities. “Government policy support and financing for research and development concerning the extraction and processing will really make the difference. In this concern, joint ventures (JVs) can be made with foreign companies,” added Abdul Bashir.
Discussing with WealthPK the importance of systematic exploration and processing of lanthanum in Pakistan, geologist and miner Imran Babar said, “Lanthanum or other REEs are entirely a new topic for Pakistani miners. It is true that extraction and processing of these elements is more beneficial than ordinary minerals, but it needs awareness and investment. For a strengthened mineral sector and a sound economy, lanthanum extraction is important.”
He said lanthanum extraction from other minerals required specialized extraction units, which were quite expensive. If the government supports miners and investors, such important elements can be extracted and processed. In addition, special licenses should be issued for extraction of such elements, as they need special safety measures for storage and delivery.
Credit: INP-WealthPk