Opportunities and threats of selenium supply from unconventional and low-grade ores: A critical review

Research on selenium has increased in recent years due to its extensive use in electronic applications, solar cells, glass industry, photocopying, cosmetic industry, and as a dietary supplement. New data and discoveries on the importance of this metalloid in the fields of medical biotechnology and human health have further increased its commercial value. This paper identifies challenges associated with selenium recovery from geogenic ores and topical unconventional ores such as marine geo-resources and anthropogenic stocks. Emphasis is given on opportunities and challenges of non-commercial processes for selenium resource extraction that may be developed at full-scale soon. Characteristics and global uses of selenium are also described to help predicting future scenarios of alternate supply. Considering the scarcity of increasingly wanted selenium metal and the recent advancements that have been made in mining from alternative and urban ores, it is possible that selenium can be effectively recovered from other sources to secure a stable and diversified supply.