: The first stage where target metals are dissolved into a liquid solution using chemical solvents (lixiviants).

: Commonly uses sulfuric acid for copper and uranium.

: Essential for reclaiming lithium, cobalt, and nickel from spent lithium-ion batteries to support a circular economy .

: Adding reagents to force metals out of the solution as solid compounds. Industrial Applications

Hydrometallurgy is a specialized branch of extractive metallurgy that uses aqueous solutions to recover metals from ores, concentrates, and recycled materials. Unlike pyrometallurgy, which relies on high-temperature smelting, hydrometallurgy operates at relatively lower temperatures and is increasingly valued for its ability to process low-grade or complex ores more sustainably.

: The final stage where the metal is returned to a solid, purified form.

: Used to extract precious metals like gold and silver from discarded circuit boards.

: Employs specialized resins to adsorb specific ions from the solution.