Abstract <p>As the European Union progresses toward a net-zero carbon economy, demand for mineral raw materials essential for clean energy technologies is expected to rise. This raises concerns about the environmental impacts of extraction, processing, and recycling, which are increasingly assessed using life cycle assessment (LCA). However, generating comprehensive and high-quality life cycle inventory (LCI) data remains a key challenge, particularly in the raw materials sector. Process simulation can help address data gaps by providing detailed, transparent, and scenario-based inventories. This review analyses 31 scientific articles that integrate process simulation and LCA for primary and secondary mineral raw materials production. Studies are classified using an analysis grid covering both process modelling/simulation and LCA phases. Although a range of processes is addressed, important gaps remain, including limited coverage of materials. The coupling of process simulation and LCA offer advantages including exergy-based allocation, improved LCI quality, support for future-oriented scenario analysis, eco-design and sustainability planning. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including restricted access to simulation models, insufficient methodological standardization, and limited application of uncertainty analysis. Opportunities for further development include integration of AI, improved transparency, and iterative modelling approaches. Overall, this coupling offers a physics-based pathway to more robust and up-to-date environmental assessments, for more informed decision-making in the mineral raw materials sector.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>