Extraction of Rare Earth Elements from Technogenic Waste for Sustainable Development of Territorial Communities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58423/2786-6742/2026-13-177-194Keywords:
Rare earth elements (REE), technogenic waste, titanium-zirconium ore tailings, circular economy, sustainable development, environmental safety, socio-economic effectAbstract
The article deals with the issue of extracting rare earth elements (REE) from industrial waste, specifically from the tailings of titanium-zirconium ore processing, in the context of developing and utilizing the internal resources of local communities. The authors emphasize the strategic importance of REE for the development of high-tech sectors, the energy and defense industries, as well as the relevance of searching for alternative sources of REE due to global deficit and geopolitical risks. The accumulation of industrial waste dumps and by-products from the mining and metallurgical complex poses significant environmental, social, and economic risks, while creating opportunities for the effective exploitation of domestic resources at the community level. It is argued that the extraction of REEs from technogenic waste could serve as a conceptual basis for the economic and environmental development of local communities, contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and support Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Particular focus is placed on the integration of technological, economic, social, and governance components within the framework of a green model of regional development, supported by scientific support from the institutes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and specialized universities. Examples of national and international studies are provided that confirm the effectiveness and potential of using tailings as a secondary source of critical raw materials. The strategic documents from the UN, the EU, and Ukraine are analyzed, which emphasize the importance of developing a circular economy, diversifying sources of critical materials, and optimizing resource potential at the local level. The results of the research demonstrate that a comprehensive approach to the processing of industrial waste can combine environmental, economic, and technological benefits, increase the resource self-sufficiency of communities, and contribute to the sustainable development of Ukraine’s regions.
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