Dear Colleagues,

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a set of seventeen elements, namely fifteen lanthanides and two d-transition metals (Sc and Y), having similar characteristics. They are characterized by their metallurgical, optical, and electronic properties, which have established them as decisive industrial materials, with inimitable applications such as permanent magnets, electronics, superconductor, hydrogen storage, medical and nuclear technologies, etc. The escalating demand of REEs in various application and their continuous depleting ores have significantly increased their demand in the international market. The increasing demand for these materials, depletion of natural reserves, and associated supply risks resulting from geopolitical, environmental, or technological factors makes the recovery of REEs from alternative sources viz. mine tailings, industrial acid wastes, coal ash, and end-of-life products a promising strategy for increasing availability and mitigating the supply risk of REEs. Therefore, it is necessary to exploit domestic resources and develop energy efficient and eco-friendly technologies to meet the future requirements by the recovery, separation and purification of REEs.

Keeping in view of the above, the special issue of Metals on “Recovery of rare earth elements from mineral ores and industrial wastes” will provide a global and unique opportunity to exchange as well as gathered scientific information and technological innovations amongst experts, researchers, industrialists and practitioners of different disciplines on a common platform for recovering REEs from primary as well as secondary resources considering the challenges and problems. Therefore, the issue to have discussion on research and development (R&D) is very timely and need of the hour. The main focus of the special issue is to present sustainable REEs resources and feasible processes by eminent global researchers. To recoup the REEs demand by exploring the alternative sustainable resources and feasible technology, this may mitigate their supply risk globally. The special issue will be based on research papers consisting of hybrid processes i.e. pre-treatment, hydro-/pyro-/electro- and advance separation techniques such as leaching, solvent extraction, ion-exchange, precipitation, etc.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jyothi
Dr. Manis Kumar Jha
Dr. Jin-Young Lee
Guest Editors

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• extraction
• separation
• recycling
• rare earths
• e-wastes
• REE minerals
• ore
• industrial waste
• hydrometallurgy