Critical Material Recovery 2026-2046: Technologies, Markets, Players

Market for secondary source critical material extraction technology, critical material recovery technology, rare earth recycling, lithium-ion battery technology metal recovery, critical semiconductor recovery, platinum group metal recovery

By and
Show All Description Contents, Table & Figures List FAQs Pricing Related Content
IDTechEx forecasts that over 8.1 million tonnes of critical materials will be recovered from waste annually by 2046, equivalent to over US$66B in valuable materials. Secondary raw materials, including end-of-life equipment, automotive vehicles, electric vehicles, e-waste and manufacturing scrap, represent a rapidly emerging source of valuable critical materials. This report characterizes the critical material recovery market, key extraction and recovery technologies, emerging secondary sources and market players. The latest critical material recovery innovations are explored across four key critical material segments, including rare earth elements, Li-ion battery materials, platinum group metals, and critical semiconductors. IDTechEx identifies a growing value opportunity, with the critical material recovery market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2026-2046.
 
Critical material recovery, Critical material recovery market, Critical material recovery forecast, Critical material recovery technology
Global critical material recovery market value 2026-2046. Source: IDTechEx
 
Critical materials are defined as strategic materials with high supply risks and high economic value to regional economies. Critical materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, rare earths, platinum group metals, silicon and other semiconductors are vital in transportation, energy, communications, industrial, consumer, and defense applications. The high geographical localization of critical material supply chains presents major risks to global economies, with intensifying export controls continuing to mount pressure. As the number of critical materials increases across the world, there exists a strong market pull for critical material recovery from alternative sources to diversify and reshore strategic material supply.
 
Critical material recovery from secondary sources such as manufacturing scrap, end-of-life products and waste materials can mitigate supply risks while valorizing waste streams. As critical materials consolidate in electric vehicles, decarbonized energy, high performance computing and AI applications, end-of-life equipment produced at the point of consumption will become important critical material sources. IDTechEx's report characterizes key emerging critical material feedstocks, evaluating the economics of critical material recycling and business models underpinning recovery.
 
Critical material recovery, Critical material recovery market, Critical material recovery forecast, Critical material recovery technology
The number of critical Li-ion battery materials, rare earths, platinum group metals, and semiconductors continues to grow. Source: IDTechEx.
 
Critical material recovery technologies are largely ready to go: the next question is how easily they can be repurposed for secondary material sources. Pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical critical material recovery technologies pioneered for primary mineral processing are scalable with high recovery efficiency, making them well-positioned for deployment in secondary source streams. The outstanding challenge remains adapting the recovery processes to the complex composition profile of secondary materials, which commonly contain mixtures of critical materials with plastics, adhesives, low value metals and inorganic materials. This report evaluates 13 critical material extraction technology, providing SWOT analysis, technology readiness level benchmarking, and case studies on commercial application.
 
This IDTechEx research report examines four critical material segments: Li-ion battery materials, rare earth elements, platinum group metals, and critical semiconductors. Platinum group metal recovery is the most mature critical material recovery segment, driven by low global primary supply and the high intrinsic value of platinum, palladium, iridium, and rhodium metals. IDTechEx discusses how established high volume platinum group metal recycling from automotive catalysts, jewelry, and electronics can provide a roadmap for emerging critical material recovery markets. This report also characterizes the role of platinum group metals in hydrogen fuel cell and water electrolyzer technology, evaluating the developments in green hydrogen catalyst recycling.
 
Critical battery material recovery represents the fastest growing market segment, which IDTechEx forecasts will grow at a CAGR of 15.9% by 2046. Li-ion battery recycling is set to take-off in the mid-2030s as significant volumes of electric vehicles reach end-of-life, unlocking a new stream of secondary lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, copper and manganese supply. This IDTechEx report comprehensively evaluates and benchmarks hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and direct lithium-ion battery recycling technology. This report also discusses market trends in regulations, Li-ion battery recycling economics, recycling capacities, key battery recyclers and business models.
 
Critical rare earth recycling from magnets is a key growth market, as rare earth elements face increasing export restrictions globally. Rare earths are critical materials in high performance NdFeB and SmCo magnets used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbine energy generators, and hard disk drive actuators. With over 88% of global rare earth magnet supply consolidated in China, a strong market pull exists for critical rare earth element recycling technology. This report critically evaluates solvent extraction, liquid chromatography, hydrogen decrepitation and powder metallurgy technology for long-loop and short-loop rare earth magnet recycling. IDTechEx characterizes emerging circular supply chains, rare earth recyclers, recycling capacities and feedstock availability between 2026-2046.
 
Critical semiconductor recovery from electronic waste (e-waste) and photovoltaics will rely on recycling technology innovation. Automated disassembly technologies are emerging for critical semiconductor recovery, offering efficient recovery of high value material components and optimized OpEx costs within photovoltaic recycling. This report characterizes critical silicon, indium, gallium, germanium and tellurium recovery technologies and market dynamics underpinning recycling in 2026.
 
Key aspects of this report:
A review of technologies for critical material extraction and critical material recovery from secondary sources:
  • Overview of important technologies emerging for secondary source critical material extraction and recovery.
  • Critical evaluation, benchmarking, technology readiness level analysis of critical material recovery technology.
  • 15 SWOT analyses of critical material extraction and recovery technologies, including hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, ionic liquids, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and direct recycling technologies.
  • Discussion of the evolving value proposition presented by key critical material recovery technologies for secondary sources.
 
Full market characterization of critical material recovery technology in key secondary source segments:
  • Extensive characterization of critical material market segments, including rare earth elements, lithium-ion battery technology metals, semiconductors and e-waste market, and platinum group metals.
  • Identification of key feedstocks and growth opportunities within secondary source markets for critical material recovery.
  • Key players and business model analysis.
  • Evaluation and market mapping of value and supply chains.
  • Overview and timelines of regulations and recycling mandates, where applicable.
  • Critical market evaluation using case studies featuring commercial successes and shortcomings for each critical material technology segment.
 
Critical material recovery market analysis:
  • Reviews of critical material recovery players throughout each key sector, including over 45 company profiles.
  • Recovered weight and value market forecasts from 2026-2046 for four secondary source critical material recovery technology areas, including full narratives, price assumptions, limitations, and methodologies for each.
Report MetricsDetails
CAGRThe global secondary source critical material recovery market will reach a value of US$66.7B by 2046 with a CAGR of 9.2%.
Forecast Period2026 - 2046
Forecast UnitsWeight (kilotonnes), Value (US$ billions)
Regions CoveredWorldwide
Segments CoveredCritical material extraction and recovery technologies from secondary sources (e.g., end-of-life devices, waste, manufacturing scrap), rare earth elements (including neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium) lithium-ion battery technology metals (lithium, nickel, manganese, cobalt), semiconductors (e.g., silicon, indium, germanium, tellurium, gallium and e-waste), platinum group metals (including palladium, platinum, rhodium, iridium).
Analyst access from IDTechEx
All report purchases include up to 30 minutes telephone time with an expert analyst who will help you link key findings in the report to the business issues you're addressing. This needs to be used within three months of purchasing the report.
Further information
If you have any questions about this report, please do not hesitate to contact our report team at research@IDTechEx.com or call one of our sales managers:

AMERICAS (USA): +1 617 577 7890
ASIA (Japan and Korea): +81 3 3216 7209
EUROPE (UK) +44 1223 812300
1.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1.What are critical materials
1.2.The number of critical materials is increasing globally
1.3.Critical material recovery from primary and secondary sources
1.4.Technologies for critical material recovery from secondary sources
1.5.Established and emerging secondary sources for critical material recovery
1.6.Business models for critical material recovery from secondary sources
1.7.Critical material extraction technology overview
1.8.Technology readiness evaluation of critical material extraction techniques
1.9.Critical material extraction methods evaluated by key performance metrics
1.10.Evolution of the value proposition for critical material extraction technologies
1.11.Critical material recovery technology overview
1.12.Critical metal recovery technologies evaluated and compared
1.13.Critical material recovery technologies from secondary materials - Key findings
1.14.Overview of key technologies for recycling rare earth magnets from waste
1.15.Rare earth magnet recycling in 2025 dominated by long-loop technology
1.16.Magnet manufacturing waste to become a key feedstock for recyclers until end-of-life waste availability increases
1.17.Critical Li-ion battery technology metal recovery - Key conclusions
1.18.Li-ion battery recycling technologies summary & comparison
1.19.Li-ion battery recycling policies and regulations - global map
1.20.Critical semiconductor material recovery from secondary sources - Key conclusions
1.21.Business models for critical semiconductor material recovery
1.22.Critical platinum group metal recovery from secondary sources - Key conclusions
1.23.Business models and established players in platinum group metal recycling
1.24.Critical metal recycling from hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers won't happen until 2040s
1.25.20-year overall global recovered critical materials forecast, annual value forecast, 2026-2046
1.26.Electrification driving transfer of critical material recovery value from platinum group metals to Li-ion battery materials
1.27.20-year overall global recovered critical materials forecast by material, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
1.28.Access more with an IDTechEx subscription
2.MARKET FORECASTS
2.1.Forecasting methodology and key updates
2.1.1.Forecasting methodology
2.1.2.Discontinuity in secondary source availability from renewable energy applications
2.1.3.Critical Li-ion battery material price assumptions
2.1.4.Critical rare earth material price assumptions
2.1.5.Critical platinum group metal price assumptions
2.1.6.Notable forecast updates since previous report edition (1/2)
2.1.7.Notable forecast updates since previous report edition (2/2)
2.2.Critical material recovery forecasts
2.2.1.20-year overall global recovered critical materials forecast, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.2.20-year overall global recovered critical materials forecast, annual weight forecast, excluding from Li-ion batteries materials, 2026-2046
2.2.3.20-year overall global recovered critical materials forecast by material, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.4.20-year overall global recovered critical materials forecast by element, annual weight forecast, excluding Li-ion battery materials, 2026-2046
2.2.5.20-year overall global recovered critical materials forecast, annual value forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.6.20-year overall global recovered critical materials forecast, annual value forecast, excluding from Li-ion batteries, 2026-2046
2.2.7.Electrification driving transfer of critical material recovery value from platinum group metals to Li-ion battery materials
2.2.8.20-year global recovered critical rare earth element forecast, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.9.20-year global recovered critical rare earth element forecast, segmented by secondary source, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.10.20-year global recovered critical rare earth element forecast, annual value forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.11.20-year global recovered critical materials from Li-ion batteries, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.12.20-year global recovered critical materials from Li-ion batteries, annual value forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.13.20-year global recovered critical semiconductor material forecast, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.14.20-year global recovered critical semiconductor material forecast, annual weight forecast, excluding silicon, 2026-2046
2.2.15.20-year global recovered critical semiconductor material forecast, annual value forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.16.20-year global recovered critical platinum group metal forecast, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.17.20-year global recovered critical platinum group metal forecast, segmented by feedstock source, annual weight forecast, 2026-2046
2.2.18.20-year global recovered critical platinum group forecast, annual value forecast, 2026-2046
3.INTRODUCTION
3.1.What are critical materials
3.2.The rise of the mineral economy and the emergence of critical materials
3.3.Increasing critical material demand drives growth in global supply
3.4.The number of critical materials is increasing globally
3.5.Growing export restrictions intensify supply risks and drive critical material strategy development
3.6.Critical material recovery from primary and secondary sources
3.7.Established critical material recovery from primary sources
3.8.Critical material recycling increasingly important as investment in mining operations reduces
3.9.How critical materials are recovered from secondary sources
3.10.Technologies for critical material recovery from secondary sources
3.11.Overview of critical material supply, value, and recycling rates
3.12.Lessons from the established critical platinum group metal recovery market
3.13.Defining Traits in Established Critical Material Recovery Markets
3.14.Market drivers for critical material recovery from secondary sources
3.15.Established and emerging secondary sources for critical material recovery
3.16.Business models for critical material recovery from secondary sources
3.17.Critical material price pressures continue to impact recycling profitability
3.18.Enabling technological and commercial innovation required to unlock critical material recovery
3.19.Critical material recovery report content and outline
3.20.For More Research on Critical Minerals and Materials:
4.CRITICAL MATERIAL EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY FROM SECONDARY SOURCES
4.1.Overview of critical material extraction
4.1.1.Critical material extraction technology from secondary sources - Chapter overview
4.1.2.Critical material extraction technology overview
4.1.3.Critical material extraction: Extraction technologies
4.2.Critical material extraction technologies
4.2.1.Hydrometallurgical extraction
4.2.2.Lixiviants used in hydrometallurgical metal extraction from secondary material sources
4.2.3.SWOT analysis of hydrometallurgical extraction of critical material
4.2.4.Pyrometallurgical extraction: Introduction
4.2.5.Pyrometallurgical extraction: Methods
4.2.6.SWOT analysis of pyrometallurgical extraction of critical materials
4.2.7.Biometallurgy: Introduction
4.2.8.Bioleaching processes and their applicability to critical materials
4.2.9.Biometallurgy: Areas of development
4.2.10.SWOT analysis of biometallurgy for critical material extraction
4.2.11.Ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents
4.2.12.Challenges facing commercialization of ionic liquid and deep eutectic solvent technologies
4.2.13.SWOT analysis of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for critical material extraction
4.2.14.Electroleaching extraction
4.2.15.SWOT analysis of electrochemical leaching for critical material extraction
4.2.16.Supercritical fluid extraction
4.2.17.SWOT analysis of supercritical fluid extraction technology
4.3.Summary and conclusions
4.3.1.Summary of critical material extraction from secondary sources
4.3.2.Technology readiness evaluation of critical material extraction techniques
4.3.3.Critical material extraction technologies and state of adoption
4.3.4.Critical material extraction methods evaluated by key metric
4.3.5.Evolution of the value proposition for critical material extraction technologies
5.CRITICAL MATERIAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGY FROM SECONDARY SOURCES
5.1.Overview of critical material recovery
5.1.1.Critical material recovery technology from secondary sources - Chapter overview
5.1.2.Critical material recovery: Introduction and process overview
5.1.3.Critical metal recovery: Recovery technologies
5.2.Critical material recovery technologies
5.2.1.Critical material recovery by solvent extraction
5.2.2.Rare-earth element recovery by solvent extraction
5.2.3.Critical metal recovery from Li-ion batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers with solvent extraction and associated challenges
5.2.4.SWOT analysis of solvent extraction recovery technology
5.2.5.Ion exchange recovery
5.2.6.Critical metal extraction using ion exchange resins
5.2.7.SWOT analysis of ion exchange resin recovery technology
5.2.8.Ionic liquid (IL) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) recovery
5.2.9.Coupling ionic liquid / deep eutectic solvent recovery with electrodeposition
5.2.10.Challenges facing ionic liquid and deep eutectic solvent recovery technology
5.2.11.SWOT analysis of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for critical material recovery
5.2.12.Critical metal recovery by precipitation
5.2.13.Selective coagulation and flocculation to enhance precipitation efficiency
5.2.14.SWOT analysis of precipitation for critical material recovery
5.2.15.Critical metal recovery using biosorption
5.2.16.SWOT analysis of biosorption for critical material recovery
5.2.17.Critical metal recovery by electrowinning
5.2.18.Nickel and cobalt recovery from Li-ion batteries and consumer electronics waste using electrowinning
5.2.19.Rare-earth oxide (REO) processing using molten salt electrolysis
5.2.20.Emerging electrowinning systems for critical material recovery and areas for innovation
5.2.21.SWOT analysis of electrowinning for critical material recovery
5.2.22.Direct recovery approaches: Rare-earth magnet recycling by hydrogen decrepitation
5.2.23.Direct recovery approaches: Direct recycling of Li-ion battery cathodes by sintering
5.2.24.SWOT analysis of direct critical material recovery technology
5.3.Summary and Conclusions
5.3.1.Critical metal recovery technologies evaluated and compared
5.3.2.Critical material recovery technologies from secondary materials - Key findings
5.3.3.Technology readiness of critical material recovery technologies by secondary material sources
5.3.4.Evolving requirements of critical material recovery technologies
6.CRITICAL RARE EARTH ELEMENT RECOVERY
6.1.Overview of rare earth recycling
6.1.1.Rare earth magnet recycling - Chapter overview
6.1.2.Trends in rare earth recycling
6.1.3.Critical rare earth elements: Introduction
6.1.4.Critical rare earth elements: Product markets and applications
6.1.5.Critical rare earth elements: Geographic concentration of primary material supply chain
6.1.6.Rare earth element demand concentrating in magnet applications
6.1.7.Primary and secondary material streams for rare-earth element recovery
6.1.8.Rare earth element content in secondary material sources
6.2.Rare earth recycling technologies
6.2.1.Overview of key technologies for recycling rare earth magnets from waste
6.2.2.Long-loop and short-loop rare earth recycling methods
6.2.3.Short-loop rare-earth magnet recycling by hydrogen decrepitation
6.2.4.Short-loop rare-earth magnet recycling by powder metallurgy
6.2.5.Short-loop recycled magnets show weaker magnetic properties compared to virgin magnets
6.2.6.SWOT analysis of short-loop rare-earth magnet recycling
6.2.7.Long-loop magnet recycling
6.2.8.Long-loop rare-earth magnet recycling: Recovery technologies
6.2.9.Long-loop magnet recovery using solvent extraction
6.2.10.Breakdown of operating expenditure (OpEx) of long-loop recycling using solvent extraction
6.2.11.Liquid chromatography rare earth separation technology offers feedstock flexibility
6.2.12.Liquid chromatography uses ion exchange resins to recycle magnets
6.2.13.Emerging business model for rare earth recovery using ion exchange / liquid chromatography
6.2.14.Comparison of Commercial Rare Earth Separation Technologies
6.2.15.SWOT analysis of long-loop rare earth magnet recycling recovery
6.2.16.Short-loop and long-loop rare earth magnet recycling: Summary and key players
6.2.17.The role of waste pre-processing and automation in magnet recycling
6.3.Rare earth recycling markets
6.3.1.Rare earth magnet recycling in 2025 dominated by long-loop technology
6.3.2.Overview of key rare earth recyclers
6.3.3.Emerging rare earth magnet recycling value chain
6.3.4.Global rare earth magnet recyclers
6.3.5.Circular supply chains for critical rare earths are emerging out of necessity
6.3.6.Increasing rare earth magnet recycling capacity by 2030 highlights need for greater feedstock sourcing to maximize utilization
6.3.7.Electric motors, energy generators, and hard disk drives emerge as key secondary sources of rare earths
6.3.8.Pre-processing challenges for rare-earth magnet recycling from electric rotors
6.3.9.Availability of magnets for recycling influenced by lifetimes of integrated products and recycling efficiency
6.3.10.Magnet manufacturing waste to become a key feedstock for recyclers until end-of-life waste availability increases
6.3.11.Many long-loop recyclers focus on securing primary mineral feedstocks until secondary sources come online
6.3.12.Barriers to growth and areas requiring development for rare earth magnet recovery growth to be realized
6.4.Critical Rare earth recovery summary and outlook
6.4.1.Rare earth magnet recovery technology summary and outlook
6.4.2.Rare-earth magnet market summary and outlook
6.4.3.Overview of opportunities and trends for long-loop and short-loop rare earth magnet recycling technologies
6.4.4.Innovation areas for rare-earth magnet recycling
6.4.5.Rare earth magnet recycling value chain
6.4.6.More information can be found in IDTechEx's report: Rare Earth Magnets 2026-2036: Technologies, Supply, Markets, Forecasts
7.CRITICAL LI-ION BATTERY MATERIAL RECOVERY
7.1.Overview of Li-ion battery recycling
7.1.1.Critical Li-ion battery technology metal recovery - Chapter overview
7.1.2.Critical Li-ion battery metals: Introduction
7.1.3.Key trends impacting critical battery material demand (1)
7.1.4.Key trends impacting critical battery material demand (2)
7.1.5.Introduction to Li-ion battery recycling and LIB circular economy
7.1.6.Li-ion battery recycling market summary and key updates
7.1.7.Closed-loop value chain of electric vehicle batteries - sources of LIB recycling feedstock and flow of materials
7.1.8.Global LIB recycling capacity and player map
7.1.9.More information can be found in IDTechEx's report: Li-ion Battery Recycling Market 2025-2045: Markets, Forecasts, Technologies, and Players
7.2.Li-ion battery metal recovery technologies
7.2.1.Overview of Li-ion battery recycling technologies
7.2.2.Pyrometallurgical Li-ion battery recycling
7.2.3.Hydrometallurgical Li-ion battery recycling
7.2.4.Direct Li-ion battery recycling methods
7.2.5.Recycling technologies summary & comparison
7.2.6.Graphite recycling from Li-ion batteries
7.2.7.Graphite recycling technology summary
7.3.Li-ion battery metal recovery markets
7.3.1.Electric vehicle battery recycling value chain
7.3.2.When will Li-ion batteries be recycled?
7.3.3.Is recycling Li-ion batteries economical?
7.3.4.Impact of cathode chemistries on recycling economics
7.3.5.Recycling regulations and policies
7.3.6.Specific policy targets and funding summary by region
7.3.7.Li-ion battery recycling policies and regulations - global map
7.3.8.Li-ion battery recycling: Sector involvement
7.3.9.Li-ion battery recycling technology breakdown by region
7.3.10.New LIB recycling capacity by region and type of recycling technology (mechanical, hydrometallurgical / refining)
8.CRITICAL SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL RECOVERY
8.1.Overview of critical semiconductor material recovery
8.1.1.Semiconductor material recovery - Chapter overview
8.1.2.Critical semiconductor materials: Introduction
8.1.3.Critical semiconductor materials: Rising demand and supply chain challenges
8.1.4.Critical semiconductors: Applications and recycling rates
8.2.Electronic waste (e-waste)
8.2.1.E-waste is rapidly accumulating but recycling struggles to keep up
8.2.2.Disparate and low semiconductor content in key applications is prohibiting recovery
8.2.3.Critical semiconductor recovery from e-waste will rely on more effective pre-processing
8.2.4.Trends in electronic waste recycling and emerging feedstocks
8.2.5.Trends in e-waste feedstock composition
8.2.6.Recovery of critical semiconductors from e-waste
8.2.7.Sources of primary and secondary gallium for recovery
8.2.8.Overview of gallium and indium recyclers
8.2.9.Established germanium recovery from secondary sources
8.2.10.Business models for critical semiconductor material recovery
8.2.11.Critical semiconductor recovery takes the backseat to precious metals in e-waste recycling
8.3.Photovoltaic and solar technologies
8.3.1.Critical semiconductors in photovoltaic panels: Introduction
8.3.2.Critical semiconductors in photovoltaics: Cell stack composition and design
8.3.3.Critical semiconductor recovery from photovoltaics
8.3.4.Different processes are required to recycle crystalline silicon and thin-film photovoltaic modules
8.3.5.Silicon recovery technology for crystalline-Si PVs
8.3.6.Most of the value in silicon photovoltaic module recycling resides in base and precious metal recovery
8.3.7.Breakdown of value recovered from silicon PV panel recycling
8.3.8.Tellurium recovery from CdTe thin-film photovoltaics
8.3.9.Challenges facing thin film CdTe PV recycling
8.3.10.Solar panel manufacturers and recycling capabilities (I)
8.3.11.Solar panel manufacturers and recycling capabilities (II)
8.4.Market summary and outlook
8.4.1.Conclusions for critical semiconductor material recovery and market outlook
8.4.2.Technology readiness of critical semiconductor recovery technologies
8.4.3.Critical semiconductor recovery: Key player overview
8.4.4.Market drivers, opportunities and barriers for critical semiconductor recovery
8.4.5.Key challenges that must be addressed to unlock the secondary critical semiconductor material stream
9.CRITICAL PLATINUM GROUP METAL RECOVERY
9.1.Overview of critical platinum group metal recovery
9.1.1.Platinum group metal recovery - Chapter overview
9.1.2.Critical platinum group metals: Introduction
9.1.3.Critical platinum group metals: Supply chain considerations
9.1.4.Global PGM demand and application segmentation
9.1.5.Critical platinum group metals: Applications and recycling rates
9.1.6.Critical platinum group metal recovery is driven by high intrinsic metal value
9.1.7.Historical PGM price volatility
9.1.8.Historical iridium supply and demand
9.2.PGM recovery from spent automotive catalysts
9.2.1.Critical PGMs in automotive catalysts
9.2.2.Critical PGM recovery from spent automotive catalysts
9.2.3.Global recovery of platinum, palladium and rhodium from automotive scrap
9.2.4.Key global automotive catalyst recycling players
9.3.PGM recovery from hydrogen electrolyzers and fuel cells
9.3.1.Critical metals for the hydrogen economy
9.3.2.Proton exchange membrane electrolyzer materials & components
9.3.3.Green hydrogen's influence on critical materials
9.3.4.Importance of technological advancements & PGM recycling
9.3.5.Challenges in transitioning to new PEMEL catalysts and the role of PGM recycling
9.3.6.Recovering critical PGMs from catalyst coated membranes (CCMs)
9.3.7.Recycling of critical PGMs from fuel cell catalysts
9.3.8.Proton exchange membrane catalyst and ionomer recycling: Player overview
9.3.9.Critical metal recycling from hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers won't happen until 2040s
9.3.10.Key suppliers of catalysts for fuel cells
9.4.Market summary and outlook
9.4.1.Critical PGM recovery: Conclusions and outlook
9.4.2.Technology readiness of critical PGM recovery from secondary sources
9.4.3.Business models and established players in platinum group metal recycling
9.4.4.Opportunities and threats to growth for critical PGM recovery
9.4.5.What valuable lessons from the LIB & EV industries can be applied to PGM recovery from hydrogen technology
10.COMPANY PROFILES
10.1.Accurec Recycling GmbH
10.2.ACE Green Recycling
10.3.Altilium
10.4.Ascend Elements
10.5.Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASM)
10.6.Ballard Power Systems
10.7.Carester (Caremag)
10.8.Carester (Caremag)
10.9.CellCircle (Battery Recycling)
10.10.Cirba Solutions
10.11.Cirba Solutions
10.12.Cyclic Materials
10.13.Cyclic Materials
10.14.Cylib
10.15.EcoGraf
10.16.Ecoprogetti
10.17.Exigo Recycling
10.18.Exitcom Recycling (Battery Recycling)
10.19.Fortum (Battery Recycling)
10.20.Garner Products
10.21.Green Graphite Technologies
10.22.Heraeus: Catalysts for the Hydrogen Economy
10.23.Huayou Recycling
10.24.HyProMag
10.25.HyProMag Ltd
10.26.Ionic Technologies
10.27.JL Mag
10.28.Li-Cycle
10.29.Librec
10.30.Lithium Australia
10.31.Lohum
10.32.Mecaware
10.33.Neo Performance Materials - Rare Metals
10.34.Noveon Magnetics
10.35.OnTo Technology
10.36.POSCO (Battery Recycling)
10.37.Primobius
10.38.Rare Earth Technologies Inc. (RETi)
10.39.Redwood Materials
10.40.ReElement Technologies
10.41.REETec
10.42.Seloxium
10.43.Solar Materials
10.44.SungEel Hi-Tech
10.45.Umicore (Battery Recycling)
10.46.Veolia (Battery Recycling)
 

About Critical Material Recovery 2026-2046: Technologies, Markets, Players

What are the main critical material extraction technologies?

This IDTechEx report covers a range of critical material extraction technologies including:
 
  • Hydrometallurgy - extraction from aqueous solutions using acidic or basic media with chemical additives.
  • Pyrometallurgy - extraction in the solid state using high temperature heating (>1000°C).
  • Ionic liquids / deep eutectic solvents - extraction using non-aqueous, low melting point ionic compounds and mixtures.
  • Electrochemical - extraction using selective electrochemical oxidation or reduction at an electrode.
  • Bio-metallurgy - extraction using selective binding by biochemical species such as enzymes.
  • Supercritical fluid extraction - extraction using supercritical fluids such as carbon dioxide.

What is the technology readiness of critical material extraction techniques?

Hydro- and pyrometallurgical processes are commercially deployed for both critical and valuable material extraction from secondary sources. Emerging hydrometallurgical extraction processes focus on using alternative organic acids to replace corrosive mineral acids.
 
Ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents are promising for commercial deployment, where bespoke solvent requirements are offset by their potential to realize improved metal extraction efficiencies.

What is the global critical material recovery market size?

The global critical material recovery market will be valued at US$11.5B billion in 2026. The largest market by value is established critical platinum group metal recovery, with the next largest segment the emerging Li-ion battery metal recovery market.

About IDTechEx reports

What are the qualifications of the people conducting IDTechEx research?

Content produced by IDTechEx is researched and written by our technical analysts, each with a PhD or master's degree in their specialist field, and all of whom are employees. All our analysts are well-connected in their fields, intensively covering their sectors, revealing hard-to-find information you can trust.

How does IDTechEx gather data for its reports?

By directly interviewing and profiling companies across the supply chain. IDTechEx analysts interview companies by engaging directly with senior management and technology development executives across the supply chain, leading to revealing insights that may otherwise be inaccessible.
 
Further, as a global team, we travel extensively to industry events and companies to conduct in-depth, face-to-face interviews. We also engage with industry associations and follow public company filings as secondary sources. We conduct patent analysis and track regulatory changes and incentives. We consistently build on our decades-long research of emerging technologies.
 
We assess emerging technologies against existing solutions, evaluate market demand and provide data-driven forecasts based on our models. This provides a clear, unbiased outlook on the future of each technology or industry that we cover.

What is your forecast methodology?

We take into account the following information and data points where relevant to create our forecasts:
  • Historic data, based on our own databases of products, companies' sales data, information from associations, company reports and validation of our prior market figures with companies in the industry.
  • Current and announced manufacturing capacities
  • Company production targets
  • Direct input from companies as we interview them as to their growth expectations, moderated by our analysts
  • Planned or active government incentives and regulations
  • Assessment of the capabilities and price of the technology based on our benchmarking over the forecast period, versus that of competitive solutions
  • Teardown data (e.g. to assess volume of materials used)
  • From a top-down view: the total addressable market
  • Forecasts can be based on an s-curve methodology where appropriate, taking into account the above factors
  • Key assumptions and discussion of what can impact the forecast are covered in the report.

How can I be confident about the quality of work in IDTechEx reports?

Based on our technical analysts and their research methodology, for over 25 years our work has regularly received superb feedback from our global clients. Our research business has grown year-on-year.
 
Recent customer feedback includes:
"It's my first go-to platform"
- Dr. Didi Xu, Head of Foresight - Future Technologies, Freudenberg Technology Innovation
 
"Their expertise allows us to make data-driven, strategic decisions and ensures we remain aligned with the latest trends and opportunities in the market."
- Ralf Hug, Global Head of Product Management & Marketing, Marquardt

What differentiates IDTechEx reports?

Our team of in-house technical analysts immerse themselves in industries over many years, building deep expertise and engaging directly with key industry players to uncover hard-to-find insights. We appraise technologies in the landscape of competitive solutions and then assess their market demand based on voice-of-the-customer feedback, all from an impartial point of view. This approach delivers exceptional value to our customers—providing high-quality independent content while saving customers time, resources, and money.

Why should we pick IDTechEx research over AI research?

A crucial value of IDTechEx research is that it provides information, assessments and forecasts based on interviews with key people in the industry, assessed by technical experts. AI is trained only on content publicly available on the web, which may not be reliable, in depth, nor contain the latest insights based on the experience of those actively involved in a technology or industry, despite the confident prose.

How can I justify the ROI of this report?

Consider the cost of the IDTechEx report versus the time and resources required to gather the same quality of insights yourself. IDTechEx analysts have built up an extensive contact network over many years; we invest in attending key events and interviewing companies around the world; and our analysts are trained in appraising technologies and markets.
 
Each report provides an independent, expert-led technical and market appraisal, giving you access to actionable information immediately, rather than you having to spend months or years on your own market research.

Can I speak to analysts about the report content?

All report purchases include up to 30 minutes of telephone time with an expert analyst who will help you link key findings in the report to the business issues you're addressing. This needs to be used within three months of purchasing the report.

What is the difference between a report and subscription?

A subscription from IDTechEx can include more reports, access to an online information platform with continuously updated information from our analysts, and access to analysts directly.

Before purchasing, I have some questions about the report, can I speak to someone?

Please email research@idtechex.com stating your location and we will quickly respond.

About IDTechEx

Who are IDTechEx's customers?

IDTechEx has served over 35,000 customers globally. These range from large corporations to ambitious start-ups, and from Governments to research centers. Our customers use our work to make informed decisions and save time and resources.

Where is IDTechEx established?

IDTechEx was established in 1999, and is headquartered in Cambridge, UK. Since then, the company has significantly expanded and operates globally, having served customers in over 80 countries. Subsidiary companies are based in the USA, Germany and Japan.

Questions about purchasing a report

How do I pay?

In most locations reports can be purchased by credit card, or else by direct bank payment.

How and when do I receive access to IDTechEx reports?

When paying successfully by credit card, reports can be accessed immediately. For new customers, when paying by bank transfer, reports will usually be released when the payment is received. Report access will be notified by email.

How do I assign additional users to the report?

Users can be assigned in the report ordering process, or at a later time by email.

Can I speak to someone about purchasing a report?

Please email research@idtechex.com stating your location and we will quickly respond.
 

Ordering Information

Critical Material Recovery 2026-2046: Technologies, Markets, Players

£€$元¥₩
Electronic (1-5 users)
£5,650.00
Electronic (6-10 users)
£8,050.00
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (1-5 users)
£6,450.00
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (6-10 users)
£8,850.00
Electronic (1-5 users)
€6,400.00
Electronic (6-10 users)
€9,200.00
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (1-5 users)
€7,400.00
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (6-10 users)
€10,200.00
Electronic (1-5 users)
$7,500.00
Electronic (6-10 users)
$10,750.00
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (1-5 users)
$8,600.00
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (6-10 users)
$11,850.00
Electronic (1-5 users)
元54,000.00
Electronic (6-10 users)
元76,000.00
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (1-5 users)
元61,000.00
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (6-10 users)
元84,000.00
Electronic (1-5 users)
¥990,000
Electronic (6-10 users)
¥1,406,000
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (1-5 users)
¥1,140,000
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (6-10 users)
¥1,556,000
Electronic (1-5 users)
₩10,500,000
Electronic (6-10 users)
₩15,000,000
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (1-5 users)
₩12,100,000
Electronic and 1 Hardcopy (6-10 users)
₩16,600,000
Click here to enquire about additional licenses.
If you are a reseller/distributor please contact us before ordering.
お問合せ、見積および請求書が必要な方はm.murakoshi@idtechex.com までご連絡ください。
Secondary source critical material recovery market to exceed a value of US$66 billion by 2046
Buy now Get a quote Ask a question

Report Statistics

Slides 300
Companies 46
Forecasts to 2046
Published Sep 2025
 

Preview Content

pdf Document Webinar slides
pdf Document Sample pages
 

Customer Testimonial

quote graphic
"IDTechEx consistently provides well-structured and comprehensive research reports, offering a clear and holistic view of key trends... It's my first go-to platform for quickly exploring new topics and staying updated on industry advancements."
Head of Foresight - Future Technologies
Freudenberg Technology Innovation SE & Co. KG
 
 
 
ISBN: 9781835701478

Subscription Enquiry