Metal Recovery from Waste Polymetallic Materials

Dear Colleagues,

In an era of increasing demand for critical and strategic metals, the recovery of valuable elements from multicomponent materials has become a key aspect of sustainable resource management. Industrial wastes from mining, metallurgical and processing operations or end-of-life material streams often contain complex mixtures, including not only common non-ferrous metals but also rare earth or precious ones, sometimes at concentrations exceeding those in natural ores. The polymetallic composition of the waste, however, poses significant challenges for selective separation and recovery. This has stimulated advances in (bio)hydrometallurgical and solvometallurgical methods, which have opened new opportunities for efficient metal extraction under mild conditions, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact compared with traditional pyrometallurgical techniques. Leaching systems based on conventional reagents, deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids or microbiological treatment are increasingly tailored to target specific metal species while minimizing chemical use and secondary waste generation. Emerging separation and purification approaches, including solvent extraction, ion exchange, membrane-based processes, adsorption techniques, precipitation and electrochemical methods, further enhance selectivity and yield. This Special Issue welcomes research and review articles that showcase scientific and technological insights into metal recovery from complex polymetallic materials. Topics include innovative (bio)leaching media and methods, process intensification, waste valorization, pretreatment strategies, and integrated recovery schemes, aiming to inspire further research and practical solutions in hydrometallurgical metal recycling.

Dr. Ewa Rudnik
Guest Editor

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