TRIBUTYL PHOSPHATE-NITRATE SOLVENT EXTRACTION PROCESS FOR PRODUCING HIGH PURITY NUCLEAR GRADE RARE EARTH METAL OXIDES

A process for the preparation of high purity rare earth metal compounds such as oxides utilizing TBP (tri-butyl phosphate)-nitrate solvent extraction technique adapted to manufacture nuclear grade rare earth metal compounds such as zirconium oxide. The process substantially aids in reducing the specific generation of ammonium nitrate effluent volume thereby increasing its concentration when the effluent comprising ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate are utilized for stripping of the rare earth metal compound from the organic solvent in the said process of production of high purity rare earth metal oxide powder.