The growing demand for rare earth elements, pivotal for modern technologies, has necessitated the development of efficient and sustainable extraction methods from ionic clays. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advancements in rare earth recovery from ionic clays, focusing on the geological, geochemical, and technological aspects of the extraction processes. Historically, traditional methods of extracting rare earths from mineral ores have been environmentally detrimental and economically intensive due to their complex multi-step procedures and the handling of radioactive materials. In contrast, ionic clays, primarily found in weathered crusts of granite and volcanic rocks, offer a more accessible source of rare earths, particularly heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), through simpler ion exchange processes. The necessity to discuss this topic arises from the increasing environmental and economic pressures to find greener and more sustainable methods of rare earth extraction. The review highlights the transition towards environmentally friendly leaching agents, such as non-ammonium salts, and the integration of advanced techniques like microbial adsorption and solvent extraction. These innovations aim to enhance extraction efficiency while reducing ecological footprints. Additionally, the review highlights the importance of understanding the geological conditions that favor the formation of ionic rare earth deposits, such as climate, topography, and geological history, which are critical for efficient prospecting and exploitation. Moreover, the paper presents a life cycle analysis of in-situ leaching of rare earths from ionic clays, a method that minimizes surface disruption and environmental impact compared with conventional mining. The efficacy of this method is evaluated through case studies and field implementations, demonstrating significant improvements in efficiencies of recovery and operational sustainability. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the strategic importance of rare earth extraction from ionic clays, not only to meet the rising global demand but also to support the advancement of green technologies essential for a sustainable future. It calls for continued research into alternative extraction technologies and methods that balance economic feasibility with environmental responsibility, ensuring the sustainable exploitation of these critical resources.

中文翻译：

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从离子粘土中回收稀土元素的技术进展：综合综述


对稀土元素的需求不断增长，这对现代技术至关重要，因此需要开发高效且可持续的离子粘土提取方法。这篇综述全面分析了从离子粘土中回收稀土的进展，重点关注提取过程的地质、地球化学和技术方面。从历史上看，从矿石中提取稀土的传统方法由于其复杂的多步骤程序和放射性物质的处理而对环境有害且经济密集。相比之下，主要存在于花岗岩和火山岩风化地壳中的离子粘土通过更简单的离子交换过程提供了更容易获得的稀土来源，尤其是重稀土元素 （HREE）。讨论这个话题的必要性源于寻找更绿色、更可持续的稀土提取方法的环境和经济压力越来越大。该综述强调了向环保型浸出剂（如非铵盐）的过渡，以及微生物吸附和溶剂萃取等先进技术的整合。这些创新旨在提高提取效率，同时减少生态足迹。此外，该综述强调了了解有利于形成离子稀土矿床的地质条件的重要性，例如气候、地形和地质历史，这对于有效的勘探和开采至关重要。此外，本文还提出了从离子粘土中原位浸出稀土的生命周期分析，与传统采矿相比，这种方法可以最大限度地减少表面破坏和环境影响。 通过案例研究和现场实施评估了该方法的有效性，表明恢复效率和运营可持续性有了显著提高。总之，本综述强调了从离子粘土中提取稀土的战略重要性，这不仅是为了满足不断增长的全球需求，也是为了支持对可持续未来至关重要的绿色技术的进步。它呼吁继续研究替代开采技术和方法，以平衡经济可行性和环境责任，确保这些关键资源的可持续开发。