ReElement commissions its first commercial-scale germanium column in Marion, Indiana

ReElement Technologies/Marion Refining Campus

ReElement started its first full-size production column, refining germanium at Marion. It is the largest column the company plans to use anywhere, so the run is its first proof that the column process works at commercial scale. Rare-earth, gallium and other lines follow.

• The process uses no organic solvents, unlike conventional solvent extraction.
• Next products: gallium, neodymium, dysprosium, terbium, gadolinium, yttrium, samarium.
• Phase II plans add lithium, cobalt, nickel and tungsten.
• Company says the build is under budget and ahead of schedule.