Multi-component rare earth (RE) separation (Nd group/Sm group) and recovery (Nd group) in sulfuric acid solution by di(2-ethyl-hexyl) phosphoric acid (D(2)EHPA) dissolved in kerosene were investigated using two 3.7 cm inner diameter reciprocating extraction columns (RPCs) (height: 5.0-5.6 m) connected in sequence. The height equivalent to a theoretical stage (HETS) for Nd group/Sm group separation was in the range of 0.80-0.90 m and 0.66 m for extraction and scrubbing process, respectively. Under testing conditions, the concentration of Sm2O3 left in the raffinate (Nd group) was less than 0.1 wt% and the concentration of Eu2O3 in concentrated Sm Eu Gd oxides in the scrubbed organic phase was larger than 8.0 wt% (commercial grade). In the concentrating process of Nd group elements, the total RE concentration left in the raffinate was less than 0.1 g/L with a recovering efficiency more than 99%. The concentrated RE concentration was more than 250 g/L in the stripping raffinate and more than 14 times the feed concentration (17 g/L). The results show that the RPC has a great promise as an alternative of mixer-settlers for saving space, solvent input, and operating (energy) cost in rare earth extraction and separation using the D(2)EHPA/RE2(SO4)(3) system.