A method for recovering at least one metallic element from ore or other material is described and includes reacting ore or other material with a salt capable of recovering the metallic element from the ore or other material to form a reaction product that includes the metallic element. The method also includes recovering the metallic element from the reaction product. To remove the metallic element from the reaction product, the method can involve crushing the reaction product to form a crushed material and dissolving the crushed material in a solvent to remove the precipitates, thereby leaving a sulfate solution containing the metallic element.