An overview of extraction of some trace metal ions using molten solvent (low melting substance) during last two decades is presented. The development of this technique since its inception is briefly traced. The comparison of extraction efficiency, thermodynamics and kinetics mainly involving extraction of rare earth ions between molten solvent extraction at high temperature and usual liquid-liquid extraction at room temperature are discussed in detail. The various parameters obtained from the previous and present studies such as equilibrium extraction constant Kex, pH1/2, thermodynamic and kinetic data are displayed in tabular form. Finally, the current demands, disadvantages and future prospects are also evaluated. The development of this technique since its inception is briefly traced. The comparison of extraction efficiency, thermodynamics and kinetics primarily involving extraction of rare earth ions between molten solvent extraction at high temperature and usual liquid-liquid extraction at room temperature are discussed in detail. The various parameters obtained from the previous and present studies such as equilibrium extraction constant Kex, pH 1/2, thermodynamic and kinetic data are displayed in tabular form. Finally, the current demands, disadvantages and future prospects are also evaluated.