n the new market report, “Critical Material Recovery 2026-2046: Technologies, Markets, Players“, 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.
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.
Source: offgridenergyindependence.com
More here: idtechex.com