<p>Zirconium and hafnium are utilized across various industrial sectors, including ceramics, superalloys, and notably, the nuclear industry. Currently, the production and refining of these elements are predominantly controlled by countries such as Germany, France, and China, resulting in a limited global supply. Hafnium, in particular, is classified as a critical mineral due to its decreasing natural availability. Given their distinctive physicochemical properties, zirconium and hafnium are integral to the advancement of emerging technologies. A thorough review of existing literature is necessary to identify gaps in current extraction methodologies and to develop optimized alternative processes, particularly considering global scarcity and geopolitical dependencies. This study focuses on evaluating the potential of hydrometallurgical approaches for the extraction of zirconium and hafnium, involving thermal treatments, followed by leaching, and subsequent purification techniques such as ion exchange and solvent extraction. The objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in extraction and purification methods for zirconium and hafnium, emphasizing the significance of hydrometallurgical routes in their industrial production.</p>