A Systematic Literature Review of Selected Aspects of Life Cycle Assessment of Rare Earth Elements: Integration of Digital Technologies for Sustainable Production and Recycling

Roberta Guglielmetti Mugion (), Grazia Chiara Elmo, Veronica Ungaro, Laura Di Pietro and Olimpia Martucci
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Roberta Guglielmetti Mugion: Department of Business Studies, Roma Tre University, 00145 Rome, Italy
Grazia Chiara Elmo: Department of Business Studies, Roma Tre University, 00145 Rome, Italy
Veronica Ungaro: Department of Business Studies, Roma Tre University, 00145 Rome, Italy
Laura Di Pietro: Department of Business Studies, Roma Tre University, 00145 Rome, Italy
Olimpia Martucci: Department of Business Studies, Roma Tre University, 00145 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-24

Abstract: This study analyses the state-of-the-art application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the production and recycling of rare earth elements (REEs), highlighting its strategic role in promoting sustainability across resource-intensive sectors. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using the Scopus database. A total of 78 peer-reviewed studies were included, with no time restrictions applied. The review focused on studies applying LCA to REE production from both primary and secondary sources, particularly those integrating emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and process simulations. Studies lacking LCA methodology or not specifically addressing REEs were excluded. The findings show that LCA, when enhanced by digital tools, serves as a key enabler for making industrial processes more sustainable by improving traceability, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting responsible decision making along the value chain. Recycling from secondary sources such as electronic waste emerges as a practical solution to reduce dependency on primary resources and to promote circular models. In particular, recycling has been shown to reduce environmental impacts by 64–96%, underscoring its effectiveness in mitigating the ecological footprint of REE production. The innovative contribution of this study lies in demonstrating how the integration of LCA and digital technologies can accelerate the transition toward more sustainable, resilient, and transparent rare earth value chains.

Keywords: rare earth elements; life cycle assessment; artificial intelligence; sustainability; recycling; digital technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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