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Abstract
A comprehensive review of the extractive metallurgy of beryllium is presented. Due to the strategic importance and element of secrecy surrounding the metal, any open literature on beryllium is rather limited. However, this review has been made to cover all important aspects of beryllium extraction technology namely, resources of the metal; processing of ores; reduction of fluoride and oxide to get metal and alloy; refining of the metal; post preparation processes to shape metal through powder metallurgical route and preparation of foils and ceramics. Special attention has been given to the topic of toxicology and pollution control. Recycling of beryllium will form the concluding section. Information on the removal of impurities during the preparation of intermediate products as well as during reduction to metal and its alloys are described with process principles. Thus this review, with the help of discussion on each unit process and at the same time emphasising on the problems faced in large scale handling of this toxic metal and its compounds, shall provide substantial information presently available on the extractive metallurgy of beryllium.