The extraction begins with the physical separation of the ore, followed by chemical processes to isolate individual rare earth oxides, involving crushing and grinding the ore, leaching with acids (like sulfuric acid) to dissolve the rare earth oxides (REOs).
Once isolated, praseodymium is typically converted into its oxide form (Pr2O3). Techniques like ion-exchange chromatography and solvent extraction are adapted to purify the Pr2O3.
Praseodymium oxide is reduced using a modern approach involving molten salt electrolysis, which is gaining traction due to its efficiency and ability to produce high-purity metals.
Once refined, praseodymium metal is cast or processed into various forms such as ingots, foils, rods, or powders, depending on the intended industrial application.