Abstract
Solvent extraction is widely employed in a variety of industries for both the upgrading and purification of a range of elements and chemicals. The technology is used in applications as diverse as ore processing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industrial chemicals, petrochemicals, food industry, purification of base metals and refining of precious metals. This review deals with the basics of solvent extraction technique and discusses in detail its applications in several fields focusing on ore processing and recovery of important metals from economic and industrial point of view.