Why is it necessary to rebuild the chains from raw materials to finished products today, what breakthrough developments in the field of "green" extraction and recycling will be presented at the RAREMET 2026 Congress, how will international cooperation help shape their own leadership strategy, and what is the secret to the sustainability of scientific schools combining the experience of academics and the energy of young researchers? Andrey Alekseevich Voshkin, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee of the International Congress on Rare Metals, Materials, and Technologies "RAREMET-2026", shares his insights.
Andrey Alekseevich, in your previous media appearances you have emphasized the strategic importance of rare metals for high-tech industries. Now you are a co-organizer of the major international congress "RAREMET-2026". Tell us, what do you see as the main mission of this platform and how will it help solve the key tasks of the industry?
Our main goal is to revive the rare metal industry, ensuring Russia's technological sovereignty and leadership. Currently, it is necessary to respond to the challenges associated with the formation of key chains: product chains — from raw materials to finished products and scientific and technological chains - from scientific research to technologies and their introduction into the real sector of the economy. It is necessary to combine the efforts of scientists, technologists and industrialists, as well as actively participate in international consortia. That is why the Congress venue plays an important role, bringing everyone together at such an authoritative forum. Academic institutions will actively participate in the Congress, in particular the N.S. Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, universities – RTU MIREA, which will host the Congress on its site, D.I. Mendeleev Russian Technical University and industry institutes – primarily, the key organizer of the Congress is JSC State Scientific Research and Design University. Institute of Rare Metal Industry "Giredmet" named after N.P. Sazhin. Industry and business are represented by the largest Russian companies.
Here, scientists will be able to get acquainted with the real challenges facing the industry. Manufacturers of rare and rare earth metals will gain an up-to-date understanding of their fields of application for the creation of promising materials. The economic component is also crucial, because without the integration of scientific, technological and economic approaches, achieving the main goal of developing the domestic rare metal industry will be impossible. The Congress is a unique discussion platform where you can not only demonstrate your leading developments, but also receive feedback from colleagues. The discussion of the most pressing and relevant topics at the Congress venues will help identify potential points of contact and create conditions for the synergy of knowledge in fundamental and applied science. I would like to note that special attention will be paid to the involvement of young professionals in the work of the Congress, which will ensure the strengthening of professional continuity and create conditions for the sustainable development of the rare metal industry in the future.
Your own research interests are closely related to the topics of the congress — "green" extraction, eutectic solvents, recycling. Are you planning to present new research results at RAREMET-2026, and in what format? In your opinion, how do such fundamental developments set the tone for the entire applied agenda in the field of rare metals?
We plan to present the latest developments of our team, and, of course, the Engineering Center for the priority areas of the Closed-Loop Technologies Scientific Research Center, created at our institute with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. We will be talking about both the results of fundamental research and applied developments, which is especially important in modern conditions.
I plan to make an overview report, which will present promising developments aimed at solving urgent problems of chemistry and technology of extraction of rare and rare-earth metals. The key topic of the report will be recycling, which reduces the environmental burden and promotes the rational use of natural resources. The synthesis of highly efficient extraction systems based on functional eutectic solvents, synergistic mixtures based on industrial extractants, resource–saving hardware solutions for obtaining pure and highly pure substances, and, of course, technology scaling are the key areas of activity of our Engineering Center, the results of which we will definitely tell at the Congress.
The congress program is incredibly extensive: from mining and processing to functional materials and artificial intelligence. Which of the stated thematic areas would you recommend technology companies seeking rapid innovation focus on first? What "breakthrough" sessions or discussions are planned?
Let me explain in more detail. Scientific and technological progress and rapidly developing technologies such as electronics, photonics, energy, aerospace, etc., create new challenges for chemists, technologists, and materials scientists. To respond effectively to these challenges, we need a solid scientific foundation and a long-term foundation. The reality is that in order to secure a leading position in the field of high technology, the fundamental scientific study of these areas should have begun several years ago. If we want to ensure the rapid development of the Russian rare metal industry, it is fundamentally important to invest in basic science and personnel training right now, planning for the years ahead. It will be impossible to achieve success in this field without constantly moving forward and looking to the future.
I would like to draw the special attention of the Congress participants to the sessions devoted to new materials. Of course, the reports related to the development of technologies for obtaining rare and rare earth metals of high purity, as well as issues related to technology scaling, which determine the speed of innovation in industry, will be very interesting.
I think it will be very interesting to visit the RAREMET: Expo, which is one of the key venues of the Congress, promoting professional and international cooperation of specialists in the field of rare and rare earth metals.
It is expected that RAREMET-2026 will become the largest international venue in Russia with the participation of delegations from dozens of countries, including India, China, the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries. What unique experience and competencies are Russian science and industry ready to present to these partners at the congress?
Undoubtedly, an important aspect is the interaction with foreign colleagues. The international nature of the event is especially valuable, given the key role of China and India in shaping global trends in the field of rare and rare earth metals. We will use the exchange of experience and the study of best practices to form our own leadership strategy and develop a competitive rare metals industry.
Of course, Russia has a significant reserve and extensive competencies. Russian scientists traditionally occupy leading positions in solving complex problems, especially in the field of processing mineral and secondary raw materials, as well as in chemical materials science. Despite the wealth of natural resources, their processing is often difficult, which stimulates the development of unique professional skills that are in demand not only in Russia but also abroad. For example, if we talk about the field of chemistry and extraction technology that is close to me, it is necessary to note the promising work on the synthesis of extraction systems for radiochemistry carried out at Lomonosov Moscow State University under the leadership of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Stepan Kalmykov. The results of lithium isotope separation, extraction of alkaline and rare earth metals by the IFHE RAS team led by RAS Academician Aslan Tsivadze have a high degree of readiness for implementation. For representatives of enterprises engaged in the processing of mineral raw materials, the developments of the IHTREMS team of the KSC RAS under the leadership of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Ivan Tananaev will be very useful. Specialists will be very interested in the breakthrough work in the field of creating functional materials based on rare earth metals, carried out at the IONKH RAS under the leadership of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.K. Ivanov.
I am sure that our foreign colleagues will find it useful to study the Russian experience.
One of the cross-cutting topics of the congress is the principles of circular economy and "green" technologies. How will these issues be integrated into the discussions? Are there separate sessions planned on, for example, recycling of power sources or eco-friendly solvents?
Yes, you are absolutely correct. As the organizer, I am sure that the organizing committee will support the proposals of the Congress partners to include additional sessions and round tables on topical issues of the development of the rare metal industry in the program.
For example, the circular economy concerns not only the efficient supply of high-tech industries with rare and rare earth metals, by returning strategic metals back into economic circulation. Issues of environmental well-being and, as a result, the health of citizens of the Russian Federation are of fundamental importance. The lack of recycling solutions will create serious problems for future generations of Russians. This underlines the importance of holding a session dedicated to this topic.
You are right; new selective extractants for the recovery, separation, and purification of rare and rare-earth metals represent a challenge, the response to which is of fundamental importance for the sustainable development of the Russian rare metals industry. I am confident that a scientific session and a round table with broad representation from researchers and producers will be extremely useful.
"RAREMET-2026" is positioned as the successor to the legendary "Sazhin Readings." How do the organizers manage to maintain the continuity of the fundamental scientific school while making the program sharply modern, responding to the challenges of digitalization and new geopolitical realities?
A scientific school is a living structure, an active creative team that combines deep fundamental knowledge, rich practical experience, and a desire for development and solving the most ambitious problems. The very concept of a "school" implies moving forward. At the same time, it is an environment of bright ideas, bold hypotheses, and promising initiatives, combining maturity and thoughtful perspectives. The composition of a scientific school includes recognized leading scientists and young researchers, postgraduates, and students. A real scientific school is impossible without youth, which is why the schools presented at the Congress demonstrate a natural balance of experience, fresh perspectives, and a focus on the future.
Speaking of scientific schools, we must mention the importance of forming competency centers in the field of chemistry and technology of rare and rare-earth metals. Their activities should be aimed both at the development and implementation into the economy of critical high-tech technologies for the complex processing of rare metal raw materials and the creation of materials, as well as at the analysis and expert evaluation of directions and projects for the development of the Russian rare metals industry.
I am confident that the scientific schools participating in the work of the Congress are capable of adequately responding to the existing and future challenges arising from both the internal situation in the country and the external geopolitical environment.
Andrey Alekseevich, in your previous media appearances you have emphasized the strategic importance of rare metals for high-tech industries. Now you are a co-organizer of the major international congress "RAREMET-2026". Tell us, what do you see as the main mission of this platform and how will it help solve the key tasks of the industry?
Our main goal is to revive the rare metal industry, ensuring Russia's technological sovereignty and leadership. Currently, it is necessary to respond to the challenges associated with the formation of key chains: product chains — from raw materials to finished products and scientific and technological chains - from scientific research to technologies and their introduction into the real sector of the economy. It is necessary to combine the efforts of scientists, technologists and industrialists, as well as actively participate in international consortia. That is why the Congress venue plays an important role, bringing everyone together at such an authoritative forum. Academic institutions will actively participate in the Congress, in particular the N.S. Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, universities – RTU MIREA, which will host the Congress on its site, D.I. Mendeleev Russian Technical University and industry institutes – primarily, the key organizer of the Congress is JSC State Scientific Research and Design University. Institute of Rare Metal Industry "Giredmet" named after N.P. Sazhin. Industry and business are represented by the largest Russian companies.
Here, scientists will be able to get acquainted with the real challenges facing the industry. Manufacturers of rare and rare earth metals will gain an up-to-date understanding of their fields of application for the creation of promising materials. The economic component is also crucial, because without the integration of scientific, technological and economic approaches, achieving the main goal of developing the domestic rare metal industry will be impossible. The Congress is a unique discussion platform where you can not only demonstrate your leading developments, but also receive feedback from colleagues. The discussion of the most pressing and relevant topics at the Congress venues will help identify potential points of contact and create conditions for the synergy of knowledge in fundamental and applied science. I would like to note that special attention will be paid to the involvement of young professionals in the work of the Congress, which will ensure the strengthening of professional continuity and create conditions for the sustainable development of the rare metal industry in the future.
Your own research interests are closely related to the topics of the congress — "green" extraction, eutectic solvents, recycling. Are you planning to present new research results at RAREMET-2026, and in what format? In your opinion, how do such fundamental developments set the tone for the entire applied agenda in the field of rare metals?
We plan to present the latest developments of our team, and, of course, the Engineering Center for the priority areas of the Closed-Loop Technologies Scientific Research Center, created at our institute with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. We will be talking about both the results of fundamental research and applied developments, which is especially important in modern conditions.
I plan to make an overview report, which will present promising developments aimed at solving urgent problems of chemistry and technology of extraction of rare and rare-earth metals. The key topic of the report will be recycling, which reduces the environmental burden and promotes the rational use of natural resources. The synthesis of highly efficient extraction systems based on functional eutectic solvents, synergistic mixtures based on industrial extractants, resource–saving hardware solutions for obtaining pure and highly pure substances, and, of course, technology scaling are the key areas of activity of our Engineering Center, the results of which we will definitely tell at the Congress.
The congress program is incredibly extensive: from mining and processing to functional materials and artificial intelligence. Which of the stated thematic areas would you recommend technology companies seeking rapid innovation focus on first? What "breakthrough" sessions or discussions are planned?
Let me explain in more detail. Scientific and technological progress and rapidly developing technologies such as electronics, photonics, energy, aerospace, etc., create new challenges for chemists, technologists, and materials scientists. To respond effectively to these challenges, we need a solid scientific foundation and a long-term foundation. The reality is that in order to secure a leading position in the field of high technology, the fundamental scientific study of these areas should have begun several years ago. If we want to ensure the rapid development of the Russian rare metal industry, it is fundamentally important to invest in basic science and personnel training right now, planning for the years ahead. It will be impossible to achieve success in this field without constantly moving forward and looking to the future.
I would like to draw the special attention of the Congress participants to the sessions devoted to new materials. Of course, the reports related to the development of technologies for obtaining rare and rare earth metals of high purity, as well as issues related to technology scaling, which determine the speed of innovation in industry, will be very interesting.
I think it will be very interesting to visit the RAREMET: Expo, which is one of the key venues of the Congress, promoting professional and international cooperation of specialists in the field of rare and rare earth metals.
It is expected that RAREMET-2026 will become the largest international venue in Russia with the participation of delegations from dozens of countries, including India, China, the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries. What unique experience and competencies are Russian science and industry ready to present to these partners at the congress?
Undoubtedly, an important aspect is the interaction with foreign colleagues. The international nature of the event is especially valuable, given the key role of China and India in shaping global trends in the field of rare and rare earth metals. We will use the exchange of experience and the study of best practices to form our own leadership strategy and develop a competitive rare metals industry.
Of course, Russia has a significant reserve and extensive competencies. Russian scientists traditionally occupy leading positions in solving complex problems, especially in the field of processing mineral and secondary raw materials, as well as in chemical materials science. Despite the wealth of natural resources, their processing is often difficult, which stimulates the development of unique professional skills that are in demand not only in Russia but also abroad. For example, if we talk about the field of chemistry and extraction technology that is close to me, it is necessary to note the promising work on the synthesis of extraction systems for radiochemistry carried out at Lomonosov Moscow State University under the leadership of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Stepan Kalmykov. The results of lithium isotope separation, extraction of alkaline and rare earth metals by the IFHE RAS team led by RAS Academician Aslan Tsivadze have a high degree of readiness for implementation. For representatives of enterprises engaged in the processing of mineral raw materials, the developments of the IHTREMS team of the KSC RAS under the leadership of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Ivan Tananaev will be very useful. Specialists will be very interested in the breakthrough work in the field of creating functional materials based on rare earth metals, carried out at the IONKH RAS under the leadership of Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences V.K. Ivanov.
I am sure that our foreign colleagues will find it useful to study the Russian experience.
One of the cross-cutting topics of the congress is the principles of circular economy and "green" technologies. How will these issues be integrated into the discussions? Are there separate sessions planned on, for example, recycling of power sources or eco-friendly solvents?
Yes, you are absolutely correct. As the organizer, I am sure that the organizing committee will support the proposals of the Congress partners to include additional sessions and round tables on topical issues of the development of the rare metal industry in the program.
For example, the circular economy concerns not only the efficient supply of high-tech industries with rare and rare earth metals, by returning strategic metals back into economic circulation. Issues of environmental well-being and, as a result, the health of citizens of the Russian Federation are of fundamental importance. The lack of recycling solutions will create serious problems for future generations of Russians. This underlines the importance of holding a session dedicated to this topic.
You are right; new selective extractants for the recovery, separation, and purification of rare and rare-earth metals represent a challenge, the response to which is of fundamental importance for the sustainable development of the Russian rare metals industry. I am confident that a scientific session and a round table with broad representation from researchers and producers will be extremely useful.
"RAREMET-2026" is positioned as the successor to the legendary "Sazhin Readings." How do the organizers manage to maintain the continuity of the fundamental scientific school while making the program sharply modern, responding to the challenges of digitalization and new geopolitical realities?
A scientific school is a living structure, an active creative team that combines deep fundamental knowledge, rich practical experience, and a desire for development and solving the most ambitious problems. The very concept of a "school" implies moving forward. At the same time, it is an environment of bright ideas, bold hypotheses, and promising initiatives, combining maturity and thoughtful perspectives. The composition of a scientific school includes recognized leading scientists and young researchers, postgraduates, and students. A real scientific school is impossible without youth, which is why the schools presented at the Congress demonstrate a natural balance of experience, fresh perspectives, and a focus on the future.
Speaking of scientific schools, we must mention the importance of forming competency centers in the field of chemistry and technology of rare and rare-earth metals. Their activities should be aimed both at the development and implementation into the economy of critical high-tech technologies for the complex processing of rare metal raw materials and the creation of materials, as well as at the analysis and expert evaluation of directions and projects for the development of the Russian rare metals industry.
I am confident that the scientific schools participating in the work of the Congress are capable of adequately responding to the existing and future challenges arising from both the internal situation in the country and the external geopolitical environment.