HydrometallurgyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-19DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106600
Xuting Si, Shuai Wei, Yilin Yang, Yulu Li, Youcai Lu
{"title":"Novel bifunctional aminophosphonic acid extractants for efficient lithium recovery from spent battery leachates with high sodium interference","authors":"Xuting Si, Shuai Wei, Yilin Yang, Yulu Li, Youcai Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing demand for lithium resources has promoted significant advancements in lithium extraction and recovery technologies. This study introduces a series of novel aminophosphonic acid extractants with varying branched-chain structures, designed to enhance lithium recovery from spent battery leachates with high sodium interference. These bifunctional extractants, incorporating both phosphonic acid and amino groups, demonstrated notable efficiency and selectivity. Under optimal conditions, a single-stage extraction achieved a lithium extraction efficiency of 70 %, with a lithium‑sodium separation factor of 139. A four-stage countercurrent extraction process further elevated the lithium recovery to 99 %. The extraction mechanism was elucidated through Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and <sup>31</sup>P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This research not only provides a feasible method for lithium extraction from high Na/Li ratio leachates but also offers useful insights for industrial applications, highlighting the potential of bifunctional extractants in sustainable lithium recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106600"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145360216","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HydrometallurgyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106582
Mark Stephen Henderson, Laurence Gerald Dyer, Bogale Tadesse
{"title":"Understanding limitations to monazite concentrate dissolution in oxalic acid","authors":"Mark Stephen Henderson, Laurence Gerald Dyer, Bogale Tadesse","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prior works with organic acids have shown dissolution of rare earth element (REE) bearing phosphate minerals with oxalic acid, solubilising phosphate and depositing rare earth oxalates that can be solubilised in a second stage. Previously published information shows local maxima in recovery and hypothesised reaction control mechanisms. The current article investigates reaction limitations (mineralogical and thermodynamic) in greater depth to inform process development.</div><div>Monazite concentrate was treated with oxalic acid at temperatures in a range from 30 °C to 95 °C. Various factors were found to influence the extent of phosphorus dissolution. Previous studies achieved <32 % phosphate dissolution at 65 °C, this work has demonstrated the ability to achieve in excess of 65 % conversion using a multi-stage, cross flow leach at 45 °C with a large reduction in simultaneous iron dissolution.</div><div>Approximately 65 % of the phosphorus was solubilised using a multi-stage, cross-flow leach system. Two different monazite compositional signatures, indicative of variations in REE and phosphorus contents, were identified displaying significantly different reactivity. One form readily dissolved in oxalic acid, the other experienced little or no reaction.</div><div>Calculated oxalate losses to the reprecipitated salts and complexation with solution components was used to estimate availability of free oxalate, this was supported by the concentration of elements with low oxalate solubility (Ca and Ce). It was demonstrated that free oxalate is a limiting factor in dissolution. It is therefore evident that under different conditions, there are both mineralogical and solution thermodynamic drivers for reaction rate and extent achievable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106582"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Tellurium metal recovery from copper smelter residues: A short-route via sulfide leaching and precipitation by sodium sulfite","authors":"Zuowei Liu , Lili Jia , Zhirui Tian , Qinghua Tian , Xueyi Guo , Zhipeng Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106605","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106605","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional methods for processing copper anode slime are often hampered by lengthy workflows and low tellurium recovery efficiencies. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces a novel two-stage process combining sulfide leaching and potential-controlled precipitation for tellurium recovery from copper telluride residue. Thermodynamic analysis and experimental characterization were used to elucidate the underlying reaction mechanisms, and key process parameters were systematically optimized. During sulfide leaching, tellurium from copper telluride is displaced by sulfide ions and dissolved into solution predominantly as ditelluride anions, achieving a tellurium leaching efficiency of 96.9 %. In the subsequent potential-controlled precipitation stage, the dissolved ditelluride ions were oxidized by sulfite to elemental tellurium, precipitating with 99.1 % efficiency. After washing, the final tellurium powder exhibited a purity exceeding 99.0 %. The proposed process significantly simplifies the workflow, achieves high tellurium recovery, and enhances environmental performance by operating under alkaline conditions that prevent toxic gas emissions and reduce equipment corrosion. This work demonstrates a promising and sustainable alternative for industrial tellurium recovery from copper telluride residue.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106605"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145473107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HydrometallurgyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106598
Weida Wang , Ling Zhao , Yanxin Bo , Changxiong Zou , Mingtao Zhu , Wanqi Zhang , Junyan Yang
{"title":"Mineralization of rare earth tailings by using microbiome-induced synthesis of calcium carbonate and magnesium ammonium phosphate","authors":"Weida Wang , Ling Zhao , Yanxin Bo , Changxiong Zou , Mingtao Zhu , Wanqi Zhang , Junyan Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106598","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106598","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rare earth tailings are solid residues generated during the hydrometallurgical processing of rare earth ores. They typically contain radionuclides, especially thorium (Th) and uranium (U). Long-term open-air storage poses environmental risks due to rainfall-induced leaching and wind-driven dispersion. In this study, a solidification/stabilization (S/S) method that combines microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) with magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) was developed. The dual-phase CaCO<sub>3</sub>/MgNH<sub>4</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O system significantly improves mechanical strength, reduces permeability, and enhances radionuclide immobilization. The S/S effectiveness was quantitatively assessed by permeability, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and leaching tests, and further supported by microstructural analyses including mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The samples treated with MICP and MAP achieved a minimum permeability of 0.38 × 10<sup>−5</sup> cm/s, a maximum UCS of 3.86 MPa, and immobilization efficiencies of 87.7 % for Th and 96.0 % for U. Microstructural observations confirmed that calcite-phase CaCO<sub>3</sub> and prismatic MgNH<sub>4</sub>PO<sub>4</sub>·6H<sub>2</sub>O crystals densified the pore structure and weakened pore connectivity. This study provides a practical and sustainable approach for the safe disposal and long-term management of rare earth tailings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106598"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145360217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Extraction of rare earth elements from ion-adsorption clay deposit of Keposang Toboali, South Bangka, Indonesia: Mineralogical analysis and diagnostic leaching","authors":"Andina Septiarani , Retno Wijayanti , Isyatun Rodliyah , Kukuh Nur Hidayat , Asep Bahtiar Purnama , Denny Zahir Dayyan , Siti Rochani , Amelia Andriani , Saboor Ahmad Torabi , Sariman , Widi Astuti","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106607","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study focuses on the characterization and extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) from the IAT (ion adsorption type) deposit located in Keposang Toboali, South Bangka, Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia. Comprehensive chemical and mineralogical analyses, including XRF, ICP-OES, and SEM-AMICS, revealed that the deposit is primarily composed of silicate minerals such as quartz, kaolinite, and sanidine. Rare earth elements, notably Ce (407 g/t), La (137 g/t), Nd (111 g/t), and Y (87.5 g/t), were identified, totaling 851.2 g/t of REEs. Element deportment analysis indicated that REEs are closely associated with kaolinite, making the isolation of kaolin is critical for REE extraction. Diagnostic leaching tests, performed with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and nitric acid (HNO₃), demonstrated that H₂SO₄ was the most efficient leaching agent, achieving REE recovery exceeding 90 %. Optimal recovery was achieved at 90 °C, with a leaching duration of 90 min and an acid dosage of 500 kg/ton. The study highlights the importance of temperature, acid concentration, and leaching duration in optimizing REE recovery from the mixed-IAT deposit. The findings provide insights into efficient REE extraction from ion-adsorption type (IAT) ores originated from Indonesia, with potential implications for resource recovery strategies in similar deposits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106607"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145516916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HydrometallurgyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-08DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106584
M. Nicol
{"title":"The cyanidation of gold. III. Mechanistic details of the role of lead and sulfide ions","authors":"M. Nicol","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The role of lead ions in the cyanidation of gold has been extensively studied in this investigation. In addition to a speciation analysis using accepted thermodynamic data, the equilibrium potential for the deposition of lead under cyanidation conditions has been estimated. This has been used in conjunction with other electrochemical measurements to confirm that bulk lead metal is not deposited on a gold surface during cyanidation. The underpotential deposition of lead has been confirmed and it has been shown that an incomplete layer of lead is responsible for the increased rates in the presence of lead. The detrimental effect of high lead concentrations appears to be the result of the formation of a complete lead layer on the gold surface.</div><div>A less extensive study of the effect of sulfide ions on the rate of cyanidation has confirmed that low (micro-molar) concentrations of sulfide ions enhance the dissolution of gold in cyanide solutions but inhibit the rate of dissolution at high concentrations. The detrimental effect is associated with the anodic oxidation of gold and the formation of a passivating layer of Au<sub>2</sub>S is possibly responsible. There does not appear to be a significant effect of sulfide on the kinetics of the cathodic reduction of oxygen. A gold alloy containing 10 % silver is less susceptible to the inhibitory effect of sulfide ions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106584"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145271037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HydrometallurgyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106583
Meiling Jiang , Huifang Yang , Wenqian Cui , Yunbo Yang , Zhenyue Zhang , Zhengyan He , Zhigao Xu , Ming Wu , Jun Zhao , Ruan Chi
{"title":"Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) assisted leaching of rare earth ore containing clay minerals by inhibiting swelling and promoting permeation of ammonium sulfate solution","authors":"Meiling Jiang , Huifang Yang , Wenqian Cui , Yunbo Yang , Zhenyue Zhang , Zhengyan He , Zhigao Xu , Ming Wu , Jun Zhao , Ruan Chi","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In-situ leaching of clay-based weathered crust elution-deposited rare earth ore (WCE-DREO) is prone to landslides resulting from the swelling of clay minerals, which compromises both ecological safety, economics and efficiency of mining. This study used the cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), mixed with 2.0 wt% (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> to form a composite leaching agent to address this issue, which serves two purposes: (i) it acts as an inhibitor of clay swelling, (ii) it promotes the permeation of the leaching agent. Linear swelling tests and column leaching experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of CPAM on swelling inhibition and permeation promotion in rare earth ore leaching. The underlying mechanisms were tested and analyzed through a series of advanced characterization methods. The findings demonstrate that the addition of CPAM significantly enhances the permeation of the leaching agent. Furthermore, the composite leaching agent of (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> and CPAM inhibits the swelling at higher CPAM concentrations. At a CPAM concentration of 3 × 10<sup>−4</sup> wt%, the seepage time of the leaching agent is minimized—effectively reduced by 46 %, compared to using 2.0 wt% (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> alone. The CPAM structure contains amine groups and positively charged quaternary ammonium groups which enable the adsorption of CPAM onto the clay mineral interlayer and surface through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. This adsorption affects in four ways: (i) hinders the entry of water molecules into the mineral interlayers, (ii) reduces electrostatic repulsion, (iii) compresses the diffuse double layer, and (iv) promotes the aggregation of fine particles into larger clusters. These effects further inhibit the swelling of clay minerals and promote the permeation of the leaching agent. At the same time, the long-chain structure of CPAM helps to entangle fine clay mineral particles into larger clusters. This prevents clogging of the permeation channel due to the movement of fine particles along with the (NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> solution, thereby increasing the seepage rate. Additionally, CPAM can enter the clay mineral layers to discharge internal water and further inhibit swelling. This study provides theoretical insights and technical support for the safe and highly efficient mining of WCE-DREO.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106583"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145270437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HydrometallurgyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-12DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106595
Lei Xu, Wen-mi Chen, Shang Fan, Yan-jun Zhang
{"title":"Analyses of foam in Bayer precipitation tanks due to crystal growth modifiers","authors":"Lei Xu, Wen-mi Chen, Shang Fan, Yan-jun Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106595","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Foam generation in Bayer precipitation tanks is a major issue that affects the energy efficiency of precipitation in these tanks. However, the factors contributing to foam generation remain poorly understood. This work investigated the relationship between different crystal growth modifiers (CGMs) and foam generation during the precipitation process. Results indicate that in pure sodium aluminate solution, the addition of CGMs directly affects the foam volume. Furthermore, the foam generation potential (FGP) of CGMs varies significantly. CGM-A and CGM-B exhibited minimal FGPs at concentrations up to 300 mg/L in sodium aluminate solution containing aluminum tri-hydroxide (ATH) solids, resulting in practically no foam. In contrast, CGM-C presented stronger FGP at 100 mg/L, generating 8 mL of foam. The FGP of CGMs increased following high-temperature treatment at 260 °C. The FT-IR, GC–MS, and <sup>1</sup>H NMR analyses indicated that the large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids in CGM-C were a major cause of foaming. After high-temperature treatment, numerous alkane molecules were generated in the CGM-C, which served as foam stabilizers. This study provides valuable reference for further improvement of the alumina production capacity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106595"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145322434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HydrometallurgyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106609
Diego Teuber Gijon, Luciana Jandelli Gimenes, Marcela dos Passos Galluzzi Baltazar
{"title":"The circularity of turning wastes into valuable resources: Rare earth elements recovery from phosphogypsum – A short review","authors":"Diego Teuber Gijon, Luciana Jandelli Gimenes, Marcela dos Passos Galluzzi Baltazar","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of metals known for their recurrent use in ceramic materials, batteries, computer circuitry, and by their decreasing availability. A small group of countries control the concentrated mineral sources of REE and their production, while low-concentration sources are sparse and have low economic value. Global demand for these elements has reached an all-time high in the last five years, which foresees a necessary change in the way REE is obtained. Industrial and domestic residues have shown invaluable potential as secondary sources of REE. The exploration of these sources brings a direct approach to the principles of circular economy. Phosphogypsum (PG), a residue from the production of fertilizers, is an example of said sources with more than 250 million tons stored and considerable amount of REE (>0.5 wt.%). This short review will succinctly analyze current approaches to REE recovery from phosphogypsum while also evaluating its intrinsic value and place in a circular economy. The 12 principles of the hydrometallurgical circular economy will be used in this evaluation. Different ways to improve REE recovery have also been exposed, while implicating the challenges and new approaches utilizing combined processes, artificial intelligence and neural networks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106609"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
HydrometallurgyPub Date : 2026-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106599
Salih Cihangir
{"title":"Electrochemically assisted leaching of rare earth carbonates in non-aqueous green solvents: Solvent design, characterization, and process optimization","authors":"Salih Cihangir","doi":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106599","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.hydromet.2025.106599","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents a systematic approach to the design, characterization, and application of non-aqueous green solvents (NAGSs) for the leaching of rare earth carbonate hydrates (RECHs). Four NAGSs based on choline chloride, ethylene glycol, and various carboxylic acids were synthesized and evaluated for their physicochemical and electrochemical properties. Among the evaluated formulations, the choline chloride–ethylene glycol–Na₂EDTA·2H₂O mixture (N1) and the chloride–levulinic acid mixture (N2) were found were found suitable for both traditional and electrochemically assisted leaching due to their optimal viscosity, conductivity, and electrochemical stability. Electrochemical assistance significantly enhanced leaching efficiency, with improvements ranging from 22 % to over 300 % for certain elements compared to conventional methods. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the application of an oxidative potential facilitates the protonation and dissolution of RECHs, likely through the generation of localized acidic environments and the formation of intermediate species. The FTIR analysis confirmed the dissolution of carbonate phases and the formation of rare earth–ligand complexes, particularly in the N1 system, where new bands associated with carboxylate and amine coordination were observed. Importantly, the proposed electrochemically assisted method can be applied to different primary or secondary sources in both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions. The results demonstrate the advantages of combining non-aqueous green solvents with electrochemical assistance as an environmentally benign alternative to conventional acid-based leaching, especially for challenging carbonate forms of rare earth elements. This work provides important guidelines for the development of sustainable hydrometallurgical processes, with future directions including solvent recyclability, selective recovery, and environmental assessment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":13193,"journal":{"name":"Hydrometallurgy","volume":"239 ","pages":"Article 106599"},"PeriodicalIF":4.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145360215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}