The role of additive manufacturing in mineral and metal extraction

Mineral and metal production has been increasing annually, driven by the growing demands of advancing industries and green technologies. To meet this demand sustainably, mineral and metal extraction and processing must adopt environmentally conscious innovations. Among key innovations impacting these processes, Additive Manufacturing (AM, commonly known as 3D printing), alongside artificial intelligence and big data analytics, has significantly impacted these processes by enhancing productivity, increasing profit margins, and reducing operating costs. An AM technology offers numerous advantages, including enhanced customization and the capability to produce tailored components that meet specific requirements. Since its groundbreaking development in the 1980s, AM has contributed substantially across a wide range of industries. Numerous reviews document the integration of this manufacturing technology in industrial applications, for example, in wastewater treatment, to enhance separation efficiency for oil, heavy metals, and other pollutants. In recent years, AM has entered the domain of mineral and metal production; however, its scale remains largely unquantified. This paper presents the applications of AM in mineral and metal extraction and explores the advantages of implementing additive manufacturing in separation processes.