American Geophysical Union

Explores innovations in the production of rare earths that would be more sustainable

Rare earth elements are used in many modern technologies including electronics, clean energy, defense, aerospace, and automotive. It is important that increasing demand is met in ways that are more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable than in the past.

Rare Earth Elements: Sustainable Recovery, Processing, and Purification describes sources of rare earths and methods of production that have the potential to make recovery, processing, and purification more sustainable.

Volume highlights include:

• Global overview of rare earth production, reserves, and resources
• Improvements in the recovery process to reduce costs and environmental impacts
• Potential new sources of rare earths that were not previously technically feasible
• Options for recovery of rare earths as byproducts of other activities
• Contributions from experts in academia, industry, government, research, and non-profit organizations

The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals.

Athanasios K. Karamalidis, PhD, is an Associate Research Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA, and an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Faculty Fellow with the United States Department of Energy.

Roderick Eggert, PhD, is Professor and Viola Vestal Coulter Foundation Chair in Mineral Economics in the Division of Economics and Business, Colorado School of Mines, USA, and Deputy Director of the US Department of Energy-funded research consortium, Critical Materials Institute.