Rare earth elements (REE) are vital for renewable energy, electronics, and advanced technologies; however, the process-related evolution of REE research has not been systematically quantified. This study conducts the first large-scale bibliometric analysis of 76,768 REE-related publications (1975–2024) from Web of Science, using the Cross-Disciplinary Publication Index (CDPI) and Technology–Economic Linkage Model (TELM). Results reveal three development phases: publication growth from 5000 after 2008, driven by China’s export restrictions and the global clean energy transition; China leads with 24.1% of publications, followed by the U.S. (11.7%) and Germany (6.4%). Interdisciplinary mapping identifies materials science as the central field (CDPI = 0.81) linked to nanotechnology (0.75) and environmental science (0.66). Four thematic clusters dominate: (i) deposit geology, (ii) material applications, (iii) green extraction technologies, and (iv) circular economy strategies. Recent emphasis on sustainable practices and unconventional sources—such as phosphorites, bauxite, coal fly ash, and urban mining—reflects a shift toward green innovation. The findings guide policies to diversify REE supply through unconventional deposits (~50 Mt coal-hosted REE), eco-friendly extraction, and recycling. Future priorities include AI-driven exploration, lifecycle assessment of secondary sources, and stronger global collaboration to secure resilient, sustainable REE supply chains.

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the Shu-Ile metallogenic zone using modern geophysical, geochemical methods and technologies of remote sensing of the Earth. The purpose of the study was to establish patterns of ore deposits within the zone based on new geodynamic approaches and the integration of multidisciplinary geological data. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to create sound predictive models of mineral deposits, including gold, polymetals and related elements, in conditions of a complicated geological situation and the exhaustion of lightly explored resources. During the research, data from gravimetry, magnetic surveying, electromagnetic sensing and remote sensing data, as well as geochemical characteristics of ore-bearing formations, were analyzed. These data were compared with the results of field observations, stratigraphic and tectonic constructions. A comprehensive analysis made it possible to identify zones of active interaction between the mantle and the earth's crust, manifested in the form of deep faults, subvertical conductive structures and tectonically weakened zones that play a key role in the formation of ore nodes. Based on a set of geophysical and geochemical features, a new approach to forecasting gold-sulfide and polymetallic mineralization is proposed. It involves modeling deep structures and assessing the degree of their influence on the surface manifestations of ore mineralization. The results obtained are of great practical importance: They can be used to optimize exploration activities, increase the efficiency of drilling programs, and minimize financial costs. The proposed methodology can be successfully applied in other metallogenic provinces of Central Asia, which emphasizes the versatility and practical significance of the work performed.

The research is devoted to the study of geotectonic and geodynamics of the Shu-Ile belt and petrographic composition and intrusive complexes geochemical features analysis. The Shu-Ile suture is an important geological structure of Kazakhstan. It is characterized by the presence of various intrusive formations and deep faults. The material composition of these intrusions is of interest for understanding the geological and metallogenic processes in this region. The research used modern scientific methods, including petrographic and geochemical studies of various compositions intrusion samples. Based on the results of material composition studies of intrusive complexes, their possible connections with other geological structures of Kazakhstan and the metallogeny of the region have been established. Based on the data obtained, a conclusion was made about the intrusive complexes origin and evolution of the Shu-Ile belt, which may be important for further geological research and forecasting of mineral resources in the region.