Future Prospects of Rare Earth Elements in Coal and Coal Ash: Based on Mapping of Global Research (1973-2023)

Abstract

As industrial activities continue to expand, there is a growing demand for Rare Earth Elements (REEs). However, REE resources are rapidly depleting, leading to a search for alternative sources. Notably, REEs are found in significant quantities in coal, a fossil fuel with substantial global reserves and active extraction operations. Some countries, particularly China, extract REEs from coal, indicating its potential as an alternative REE source soon. The increasing number of academic research studies on this topic further underscores its importance. This study aims to analyze global academic research on REEs in coal and coal ash from 1973 to 2023 using bibliometric analysis to identify future trends. Data from the WoS database was utilized to ensure objective and comprehensive results. The research encompassed various aspects such as document type, country of origin, co-authors, institutions, citations, keywords, journals, and WoS categories. The findings suggest that coal could emerge as a significant REE source with sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, potentially forming a widespread business network.