Current Trends in Non-ferrous Metals Extraction, Separation, and Refining

Dear Colleagues,

The production of non-ferrous metals remains one of the most intricate and challenging areas of global industry. The unique chemistry of each metal, coupled with their often collective occurrence in mineral deposits, necessitates highly specific and sophisticated separation processes. These processes frequently involve significant environmental impacts, raising the need for innovation in more sustainable and efficient methods. This Special Issue is dedicated to addressing the latest advancements and trends in the extraction, separation, recovery, and refining of non-ferrous metals, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and economic feasibility.

Non-ferrous metals are central to the stability of global financial markets. They are indispensable across a wide range of industries, including energy, transportation, electronics, and defense. As such, improving traditional metallurgical techniques and developing new technologies that enable the profitable processing of previously uneconomical or low-grade ores is not only a scientific endeavor but also a business imperative. With increasingly complex ores being mined and processed, the demand for cleaner and more efficient extraction and refining processes is paramount.

This Special Issue aims to explore cutting-edge solutions, including the use of membranes, sorbents, and ion-exchange technologies, which are paving the way for more selective and energy-efficient separations. At the same time, the issue will focus on the recycling of non-ferrous metals—an area of growing importance as we move towards a circular economy. Recycling not only helps to mitigate the environmental footprint of metal production but also plays a crucial role in resource conservation, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Special attention will be given to critical, strategic, and precious metals, such as rare earth elements, lithium, cobalt, and platinum group metals. These metals are not only essential for the advancement of high-tech applications, including renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles, but their extraction and refining are among the most cost- and energy-intensive processes in the metallurgical sector. As a result, their production has a substantial environmental impact, underscoring the need for innovative approaches to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and minimize waste.

This Special Issue seeks contributions that address these pressing challenges, from novel extraction techniques to advancements in separation and refining technologies, all the way to recycling strategies that reduce the reliance on primary resources. By fostering a discussion on the future of non-ferrous metals production, this issue aims to support the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient metallurgical industry, contributing to both environmental protection and economic growth.

Dr. Marek Wojnicki
Dr. Beata Pośpiech
Guest Editors

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• extraction
• separation
• membranes
• sorbents
• hydrometallurgy
• pyrometallurgy
• solvent extraction
• ion exchange
• sustainable metallurgy
• metal recovery