<p>As global demand for critical and strategic metals accelerates, the environmental and economic limitations of conventional extractive metallurgy, particularly conventional pyrometallurgical and linear hydrometallurgical approaches, are becoming increasingly apparent. In response, circular hydrometallurgy has emerged as a transformative paradigm that integrates circular economy principles into aqueous metal extraction processes. By prioritizing reagent regeneration, water loop closure, and waste prevention, this approach aims to reduce environmental impacts, improve efficiency, and lead toward zero-waste mining. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of the principles, technologies, and applications of circular hydrometallurgy. Following a critical overview of traditional hydrometallurgical systems and their inherent limitations, the paper explores the 12 guiding principles of circular hydrometallurgy and their operational translation through enabling technologies such as deep eutectic solvents, electrodialysis, membrane filtration, and real-time process control. Four case studies from leading mining operations demonstrate the practical integration of circular strategies across diverse geographies and operational contexts. The review also examines key challenges such as system integration complexity, economic viability, and data scarcity, while highlighting innovation opportunities in green chemistry, urban mining, digital process control, and waste valorization. By coupling technical insights with broader sustainability considerations, this paper offers a forward-looking roadmap for industry, academia, and policymakers to collaboratively advance circular hydrometallurgy as a foundational strategy for responsible metal production in the twenty-first century.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>