Driven by cleaner energy demands, environmental regulations, and technological advances, coal science is rapidly evolving, creating the need to understand its transition and transformation within the global energy research landscape. Building upon earlier national- and topic-specific bibliometric studies, this study presents a comprehensive long-term global bibliometric analysis of coal research (1975–2024), based on 272,370 Web of Science records, applying the Cross-Disciplinary Publication Index (CDPI), the Technology–Economic Linkage Model (TELM), VOSviewer, and Excel to assess research growth, structural shifts, and interdisciplinary integration. Results show that coal research is dominated by articles (74%) with publication output peaking at ~19,500 in 2024, reflecting fluctuations in global coal prices due to energy transition market dynamics. CDPI results highlight Energy & Fuels (0.83), Chemical Engineering (0.80), Environmental Sciences (0.77), Materials Science (0.74), and Geosciences (0.66), showing coal’s central role across technology, environment, and geological research domains and revealing a clear shift toward sustainability-oriented and advanced material applications. China leads output (122,130 publications), with strong contributions from the China University of Mining and Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, while the USA, Australia, and Europe maintain strong international collaboration networks. The evolution of coal research can be divided into three major phases: conventional mining, coal preparation, combustion, and coalbed methane commercialization (1975–2004; ~64,000 publications); integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies (2005–2014; ~58,707 publications); and a recent phase dominated by by-product valorization, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS), and digital technologies (AI, IoT, ML) (2015–2024; ~146,174 publications). Contemporary coal research spans three interconnected domains: energy supply (≈36% of global electricity generation and ~15 Gt CO₂ emissions), resource and geoscience applications (including large-scale fly ash utilization and critical element recovery), and environmental and health impacts related to greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. The findings demonstrate that coal science is transitioning from a conventional fossil fuel-centered discipline toward an integrated, interdisciplinary energy research field, emphasizing emission reduction, resource efficiency, digitalization, and circular economy applications, thereby extending prior bibliometric studies through unprecedented temporal coverage, global scope, and the combined application of CDPI and TELM frameworks, providing critical insights for future energy strategies and policy development.

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.

Purpose. This article focuses on analyzing the geodynamic processes that underline the formation of the Shu-Ile ore zone. The study is based on the principles of plume tectonics, which have gained widespread recognition in the geological community in recent decades. Methods. The article considers the main aspects of the plume-tectonic concept, including the mechanisms of mantle material flows and their impact on regional geological processes. Special attention is paid to analyzing tectonic and magmatic events associated with forming the Shu-Ile ore zone within plume-tectonic mechanisms. Findings. The study highlights the critical role of mantle plumes in influencing the geodynamic evolution of the Shu-Ile ore zone. Geochemical and geophysical evidence reveals the composition and characteristics of magmatic rocks, demonstrated a direct link between mantle plume processes and ore potential in the region. The findings underscore how mantle-derived material flows have significantly contributed to the formation of geological structures and mineral resources. Originality. The study results offer a new perspective on the geological history of the Shu-Ile ore zone, emphasizing the significance of plume tectonics as a critical factor in the geodynamic processes involved in ore deposit formation. Practical implications. This research is practical for geological studies and forecasting promising ore deposits in this region. It may serve as a basis for further research on plume tectonics and its influence on forming geological structures and mineral resources.

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.