The global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is steadily increasing due to their essential role in green energy technologies, advanced electronics, medical applications, and defense systems. This rising demand has created a supply–demand imbalance, encouraging the search for alternative sources and cost-effective recovery methods, especially from secondary resources such as mining wastes. However, recovering REEs from mine effluents remains challenging due to their complex chemical nature, including high ionic strength and extreme pH levels, which limit the effectiveness of conventional adsorbents.
This review assesses the economic potential of REE recovery from mining wastes. It explores recent advancements in graphene-based adsorbents for REE recovery. A review of 31 studies published between 2015 and 2025 indicates that mining wastes have an average outlook coefficient (Coutl) of 0.91 and a critical REE percent of 33.12, showing strong potential for economic recovery, particularly from coal and metal mining residues. Graphene-based adsorbents offer promising features, including high surface area, adjustable surface properties, mechanical strength, and reusability. Improvements in graphene, such as functionalization with biomolecules, the development of three-dimensional structures, and magnetization, have further increased its adsorption capacity and durability. However, achieving high selectivity for individual REEs remains a key challenge.
Ion imprinting presents a potential solution by enabling the design of specific recognition sites that enhance selectivity and binding efficiency. Combining this approach with advanced material design can lead to next-generation graphene-based adsorbents, supporting efficient REE recovery from mining wastes and contributing to sustainable resource management and circular economy goals.
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