Recycling processes for critical metals can be improved by combining advanced separation technologies, green chemistry approaches, and circular economy strategies. Techniques such as bioleaching and phytomining use microbes or plants to extract metals with lower energy and chemical inputs. Solvent extraction and ion-exchange resins designed with biodegradable or less toxic reagents can reduce secondary pollution. High-efficiency electrochemical recovery methods enable selective separation of rare earth elements and other critical metals from e-waste or industrial effluents. Additionally, designing products for recyclability—using modular components, fewer alloys, and digital tracking of materials—can make recovery easier and cleaner. Integrating these methods with renewable energy sources and closed-loop water systems further minimizes the environmental footprint while ensuring a sustainable supply of critical metals.

Joseph Ozigis Akomodi

Improving recycling processes for the efficient recovery of critical metals with minimal environmental impact requires the integration of advanced separation technologies, green chemistry principles, and systemic changes in waste management. The key lies in shifting from energy-intensive pyrometallurgical methods to precisely controlled hydrometallurgical and biometallurgical processes, which enable selective recovery of metals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and platinum group metals from complex matrices, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. The use of microorganisms, enzymatic systems, and biodegradable ligands in bioleaching and extraction processes significantly reduces the need for toxic solvents and harsh acids. In parallel, the implementation of automated waste sorting systems using multispectral analysis and artificial intelligence allows for high selectivity at early stages of recycling. Additionally, the concept of eco-design and design for disassembly is becoming increasingly important — products that allow for easy mechanical separation of materials during disassembly increase metal recovery rates without requiring additional chemical treatment. Finally, the development of decentralized, modular micro-recycling facilities and the adoption of circular economy models that promote reintegration of recycled metals into production cycles contribute not only to environmental protection but also to strategic raw material independence in sectors heavily reliant on critical materials, such as battery manufacturing, electronics, and renewable energy technologies.

Please be aware, Joseph in other posts has apparently faked citations to support his bias.

Google Scholar found none of your cites and searches specific articles failed Search of the Disability and Society journal volume 36 issue 4 table of contents at pages 567-582 failed to find the article you cited from this journal - Miller 2021.

https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cdso20/36/4?nav=tocList

AND

Reading of the Psychology in the Schools journal volume 58 issue 7 table of contents at pages 1234-1247 failed to find the article you cited from this journal - Johnson et al. 2021.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15206807/2021/58/7

it is in his academic efforts.

His article Akomodi, J.O., 2025. In-depth analysis: The importance of instructional leadership in education. Open Journal of Leadership, 14(2), pp.177-193.

https://www.scirp.org/pdf/ojl2025142_12330662.pdf

I checked only two random references. BOTH appear to be fakes

1) Dempster, N., Evers, C., & Smith, D. (2021). Leading in a Crisis: The Role of School Leaders during COVID-19. Journal of Educational Administration, 59, 1-16.

Does not come up on Google Scholar either by title or be search for lead author Dempster and key term "covid"

AND

A search of Journal of Educational Administration volume 59 finds no such article https://www.emerald.com/jea/issue/59/1.

Pages 1-5 are an editorial "Systems thinking for excellence and equity: introduction to the special issue"

and 5-21 "Undoing systems of exclusion: exploring inclusive leadership and systems thinking in two inclusive elementary schools"

2) Grissom, J. A., & Loeb, S. (2011). Triangulating Principal Effectiveness: How Perspectives of Parents, Teachers, and Students Matter. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 33, 298-318.

appears the same thing - no Google scholar and not at journal TOC - not in volume 33 (that is actually year 2005 not 2011) and not 2011.