Hydrometallurgical Processes for the Recovery of Critical Metals

Dear Colleagues,

The rise in global temperatures due to the ever-increasing production of greenhouse gases should give us pause for thought. The introduction of ‘green’ energies offers a pathway to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. This transition from a carbon-based economy to one based on cleaner, renewable energies relies on the use of metals. By 2050, our goal is to achieve ‘climate neutrality’. In this century, the materials we manufacture incorporate nearly all the elements from the periodic table—we are living in the Age of the Periodic Table. Consequently, to develop wind energy and solar photovoltaics and shift towards electric mobility, we must consume significant quantities of metals. However, the question is, will we have enough resources? The answer is likely no. Therefore, it seems reasonable to obtain some of the necessary raw materials and metals through reusing and recycling materials at the end of their life cycle. This Special Issue aims to consolidate advances across various fields, particularly in metallurgy and hydrometallurgy, for the recovery of critical metals from ores, mining waste, or post-consumer products. We invite you to contribute to this Special Issue. Both Prof. Dr. Alguacil and I look forward to learning about the progress being made in your laboratories and companies.

Prof. Dr. Felix A. Lopez
Prof. Dr. Francisco José Alguacil
Guest Editors

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• critical raw materials
• metals
• energy transition
• rare earths
• strategic metals
• energy transition
• strategic metals