Rethinking Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Approaches to Ensure a Sustainable Supply of High-tech and Critical Raw Materials

<p>Raw materials (RM) are crucial for maintaining our standard of living internationally. The fourth industrial revolution and the energy transition are reliant on access to various RMs. High-tech RMs are usually extracted as by-products from ore deposits. To increase the production of rare high-tech RM, it is essential to modify the existing bulk RM production processes and utilize partial, secondary, or waste streams. This study aims to present and discuss the necessities of redefining the concept and scope in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy approaches in order to secure a sustainable supply of high-tech and critical raw material (CRM) for the economy in modern society. We introduce a list of paths and trends for developing future concepts and methods in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy in pursuit of the sustainability of high-tech CRMs from all resources. © The Minerals, Metals & Minerals Society 2021.</p>