JiWhan Ahn

Abstract:

We reported the possibilities of controlling the critical rare metals crisis existed for several years. Currently, critical rare metals are highly demanded and growing fast in green technologies. Recycling of mineral waste sources for the recovery of critical rare earth elements are other alternative source of this critical rare metals crisis. Various mineral waste sources such as mine residues, coal waste (fly ash and bottom ash) and bauxite residue waste (red mud) are expected to be potential recovery sources for critical metals (gallium, yttrium and other rare earth elements) in the future. Sustainable recycling technologies are necessary for the utilization of CO2 for the recovery of rare earth elements and other value added materials. Carbonation or CO2 sequestrations of waste residues are pioneered to reduce alkalinity. The carbonation of alkaline materials is an inexpensive and safe process that leads to the formation of thermodynamically stable products. This paper mainly concerns the possibility studies of controlling the critical rare metals crisis in various fields and managing the supply chain risks of rare earth elements (REEs) by recycling the mineral waste sources.