Rare earth elements from coal and coal discard – A review

Given the geographical imbalance distribution and supply shortage of rare earth elements (REEs) in renewable energy processes, magnets, many high-tech technologies, etc., researchers are increasingly seeking to recover REEs from unconventional sources such as coal by-products. This article provides a brief overview mode occurrence its association coal. It also discusses existing potential beneficiation strategies for enriching discard. Furthermore, hydrometallurgical leaching discard is reviewed summary recent outcomes on recovery source presented. The review validated technical feasibility physical REE minerals without significant particle size reduction produce high-grade feedstocks leaching. Although ultrafine milling results higher values, additional costs may affect viability process. Overall, study confirms abundance coal, identifies gaps knowledge, highlighs future research that must be addressed advance these sources.