Advances in Analytical Techniques and Applications in Exploration, Mining, Extraction, and Metallurgical Studies of Rare Earth Elements

The use of analytical techniques is important and critical in all areas related to REE, such as basic fundamental research, exploration, mining, extraction, metallurgical activities at different stages by industries. At every stage these activities, rock, ore, minerals, other materials have be analyzed for their REE contents terms elemental, isotopic, mineralogical concentrations using techniques. Spectacular developments taken place the area instrumentation during last four decades, with some them having shrunk size become handheld. Among laboratory-based techniques, F-AAS, GF-AAS, ICP-OES, MP-AES very popular. Because high sensitivity, fewer interference effects, ease use, ICP-MS quadrupole ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-TOF-MS, MH-ICP-MS, HR-ICP-MS, MC-ICP-MS, both solution nebulization well direct solid analysis laser ablation sample introduction methods, more popular analysis. For solids, INAA, XRF, LIBS LA-based are being extensively utilized. technique particular requires little no preparation. TIMS, SIMS, SHRIMP used isotopic dating depots. Portable pXRF, pLIBS, Raman spectrometers able perform situ even field, helping make fast decisions exploration studies. present, hyperspectral remote sensing including handheld, drone, satellite-based studies because ability cover larger a limited time and, thus, became cost-effective. Deployment microanalytical devices/sensors mounted remotely operated vehicles (ROV) successfully utilized detecting REE-rich deposits deep oceans. Providing updated in-depth information on aspects suitable examples, especially from point view research focal this review article.