New Trends in Sustainable Extraction of Energy-Critical Minerals
A special issue of Eng (ISSN 2673-4117).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 December 2026 | Viewed by 1116
Special Issue Editor
Interests: extractive metallurgy; flotation; rare earth elements; lithium; hydrometallurgy
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The global transition to clean energy technologies has intensified the demand for energy-critical minerals, essential for renewable energy systems, energy storage, and advanced electronics. However, conventional extractive metallurgy and mineral processing methods are often energy-intensive, costly, and of environmental concern. These methods are generally not circular and, consequently, are unsustainable in the long term. This Special Issue, New Trends in Sustainable Extraction of Energy-Critical Minerals’, aims to highlight innovative approaches that enhance the efficiency, selectivity, and environmental performance of energy-critical mineral extraction and processing. Key topics include, but are not limited to, advancements in hydrometallurgy, novel ligands for solvent extraction and saponification, bio-based extraction techniques, ionic liquid and deep eutectic solvent applications, and electrochemical- and membrane-based separations. Additionally, this Special Issue will explore circular economy strategies, including recycling, urban mining, and closed-loop processing, as well as the role of machine learning and process modeling in optimizing extraction techniques. Contributions focusing on low-waste, low-carbon, and socially responsible extraction pathways are especially encouraged. By bringing together cutting-edge research from academia and industry, this Special Issue aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable extraction methods that support the secure and responsible supply of energy-critical minerals. Researchers, engineers, and scientists are invited to contribute original studies and reviews that shape the future of sustainable extractive metallurgy.
Dr. Behzad Vaziri Hassas
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- energy-critical minerals
- critical elements separation
- novel ligands
- solvent extraction
- saponification
- ionic liquid
- deep eutectic solvents
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