Recovery of Metals and Rare Earth Elements by Microwave heating Technology - A Review

Microwave heating technology is considered one of the most likely to replace traditional heating methods due to its efficient, quick, and green heating transmission that meets the requirements of sustainable development. Microwave heating can strengthen chemical reactions and change the morphology of minerals, and it can save energy and achieve rapid and efficient heating, clean production, and emission reduction. Therefore, this paper summarizes the research status of microwave heating in the recovery of valuable metals (Cu, Au, V),) from metallurgical waste ore and rare earth elements from rare earth minerals in recent years, expounds the principle of microwave heating, and summarizes the previous experimental phenomena. Finally, the development potential, opportunities, and difficulties of microwave technology in future industrial applications are discussed.