Scheelite as a Strategic Tungsten Resource: A Bibliometric Study of Global and Chinese Technology Trends (1999–2024)

The global demand for strategic minerals like scheelite is growing rapidly due to technological advancements and emerging industries, making it a key global resource. However, there is a lack of integrated research on utilization technology of scheelite from a global perspective and exploring its future development direction. Bibliometric methods have been widely applied due to their advantages in the analysis of qualitative and quantitative literature information. Based on 1137 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning 1999 to 2024, this study systematically examines the global and Chinese research trajectories and emerging frontiers in scheelite resource utilization technologies. A paradigm shift from fundamental geological and material property studies to green beneficiation, low-carbon metallurgy, and intelligent process optimization has been revealed. Key global research hotspots include flotation separation, surface chemistry regulation, LA-ICP-MS micro-analysis, and photoluminescence properties, whereas China has developed distinctive strengths in complex polymetallic ore separation, leaching kinetics, and tailings valorization. Chinese institutions contribute over 54% of worldwide output, with Central South University leading in publication volume, collaboration networks, and academic impact. Future efforts should prioritize intelligent process control, the efficient separation of complex polymetallic ores, and the high-value recovery of secondary resources.