Rare Earth-Containing Waste Generated in Production and its Environmental Impact Analysis — Based on the Findings of Baotou Region, Inner Mongolia

The article is based on the survey of rare earth enterprises in Baotou region, Inner Mongolia, analyzes the sorts of rare earth-containing waste produced in rare earth production and their environmental impact. The main sorts of rare earth-containing waste include: low-grade ore generated in the mining sector, tailings from mineral concentrating; water-soaked residue generated in smelting and separating sectors, and solid waste from functional material producing sectors. The low-grade ore has a certain degree of radioactivity, if the economic and technological conditions allowed it also can be used to produce rare-earth. Tailings from mineral concentrating, in addition to radioactivity, it also produces environment pollution to atmosphere, soil and water. However, these tailings are not waste, but the second rare earth mine. Water-soaked residue is radioactive hazardous waste, now stored in line with disposal regulations. Solid wastes from functional materials producing have been recycled and have less impact on the environment.