The leaching of minerals is one of the main unit operations in the metal dissolution process, and in turn it is a process that generates fewer environmental liabilities compared to pyrometallurgical processes. As an alternative to conventional leaching methods, the use of microorganisms in mineral treatment processes has become widespread in recent decades, due to advantages such as the non-production of emissions or pollution, energy savings, low process costs, products compatible with the environment, and increases in the benefit of low-grade mining deposits. The purpose of this work is to introduce the theoretical foundations associated with modeling the process of bioleaching, mainly the modeling of mineral recovery rates. The different models are collected from models based on conventional leaching dynamics modeling, based on the shrinking core model, where the oxidation process is controlled by diffusion, chemically, or by film diffusion until bioleaching models based on statistical analysis are presented, such as the surface response methodology or the application of machine learning algorithms. Although bioleaching modeling (independent of modeling techniques) of industrial (or large-scale mined) minerals is a fairly developed area, bioleaching modeling applied to rare earth elements is a field with great growth potential in the coming years, as in general bioleaching has the potential to be a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining method than traditional mining methods.

Corrosion is an inevitable and persistent issue that affects various metallic infrastructures, leading to significant economic losses and safety concerns, particularly in areas near or in contact with saline solutions such as seawater. Green corrosion inhibitors are compounds derived from natural sources that are biodegradable in various environments, offering a promising alternative to their conventional counterparts. Despite their potential, green corrosion inhibitors still face several limitations and challenges when exposed to NaCl environments. This comprehensive review delves into these limitations and associated challenges, shedding light on the progress made in addressing these issues and potential future developments as tools in corrosion management. Explicitly the following aspects are covered: (1) attributes of corrosion inhibitors, (2) general corrosion mechanism, (3) mechanism of corrosion inhibition in NaCl, (4) typical electrochemical and surface characterization techniques, (5) theoretical simulations by Density Functional Theory, and (6) corrosion testing standards and general guidelines for corrosion inhibitor selection. This review is expected to advance the knowledge of green corrosion inhibitors and promote further research and applications.

The average lithium content in the Earth’s crust is estimated at about 0.007%. Despite this, lithium is considered abundant and widely distributed, with significant extraction from various sources. Notably, the brines in the Salar de Atacama are highlighted for their high lithium concentration ~1800 mg/L. Lithium is currently recovered from these brines through a solar evaporation process. The brine is transferred through a series of ponds, increasing the lithium concentration from 0.2% to 6% over 18 months, while decanting other minerals like potassium, magnesium, and boron. This method is the most efficient and cost-effective globally due to the Salar de Atacama’s high lithium concentration of approximately 1800 ppm and the region’s intense solar radiation, which facilitates evaporation at no economic cost. This manuscript describes in detail the lithium and potassium extraction processes used in the Salar de Atacama.

The corrosion within photovoltaic (PV) systems has become a critical challenge to address, significantly affecting the efficiency of solar-to-electric energy conversion, longevity, and economic viability. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of electrochemical corrosion mechanisms affecting solar panels and environmental factors that accelerate material degradation, including (i) humidity, (ii) temperature fluctuations, (iii) ultraviolet radiation, and (iv) exposure to saline environments, leading to reduced performance and premature failures. The role of encapsulation materials, solder interconnections, and conductive coatings in the corrosion formation process is examined. Various electrochemical and surface characterization techniques provide insights into material degradation and corrosion mechanisms within panels. Essential parameters are presented and discussed, including materials used, geographical location of analysis, environmental considerations, and corrosion characterization techniques, to enhance the assessment of solar panels. This review emphasizes the importance of corrosion management for sustainable PV systems and proposes future research directions for developing more durable materials and advanced coatings.

Cellular automata models have emerged as a valuable tool in corrosion management. This manuscript provides an overview of the application of cellular automata models in corrosion research, highlighting their benefits and contributions to understanding the complex nature of corrosion processes. Cellular automata models offer a computational approach to simulating corrosion behavior at the microscale, capturing the intricate interactions between electrochemical reactions, material properties, and environmental factors and generating a new vision of predictive maintenance. It reviews the key features of cellular automata, such as the grid-based representation of the material surface, the definition of state variables, and the rules governing cell-state transitions. The ability to model local interactions and emergent global behavior makes cellular automata particularly suitable for simulating corrosion processes. Finally, cellular automata models offer a powerful and versatile approach to studying corrosion processes, expanding models that can continue to enhance our understanding of corrosion and contribute to the development of effective corrosion prevention and control strategies.

Lithium is a metal with a highly promising outlook for future global demand. Its industrial processing relies on two primary methods: production from brines through solar evaporation ponds and production from rock sources via flotation, roasting, and subsequent leaching. Chile is currently the world’s second-largest producer of lithium, surpassed only by Australia. However, Chile’s lithium production process is significantly advantaged by the exceptionally high lithium concentration in the Salar de Atacama—the highest in the world—and the region’s high solar radiation, which enables the most cost-effective solar evaporation process globally. Despite these comparative advantages, Chile’s lithium production has stagnated in recent years. This stagnation can be attributed to the need for more flexible legislation surrounding the lithium industry or an increase in the number of CEOLs (Lithium Exploitation Contracts) to regain its position as the leading global producer of lithium. Furthermore, increased investment in national universities and research centers is essential to foster the development and implementation of new, clean technologies for future projects. By addressing these challenges, Chile has the potential to solidify its role as a key player in the global lithium market while promoting sustainable industrial practices.