Challenges in Sustainable Production of Rare Metals
Rare metals, though essential in modern industries, face challenges due to limited distribution and complex extraction processes. Regulatory issues and consumer actions play key roles in promoting sustainable practices.
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Presentation Transcript
Securing Critical Resources in a New Green and Industrial Era John Thompson Cornell University PetraScience Consultants Inc.
What are the challenges to sustainable production of rare metals? I Earth: complex, heterogeneous and made of minerals Rare metals: typically minor components of rare minerals (exceptions: Li, REE, Sb) Understanding of the distribution and concentration of rare metals is relatively poor Given scarcity, only a few jurisdictions have major endowments in rare metals Discovery, extraction and processing are challenging
What are the challenges to sustainable production of rare metals? II Most rare metals end up in complex concentrates shipped from mines to smelters/refineries As a result, rare metals are commonly produced as byproducts of major commodities inflexible to changes in demand Recovery from complex recycle streams is equally challenging
What is the role of regulation in ensuring environmental standards are met? Jurisdictional regulatory issues permitting Numerous voluntary initiatives best practices Linked to Corporate Social Responsibility and License to Operate sustainability and shareholder values Community influence/control is the deciding factor in many cases Illegal mining serious unresolved issue; artisanal mining improved practices
What can the consumers of rare metals do to encourage sustainable production? Consumer awareness and education Certification, material stewardship tracking/tracing Branding: jewelry and consumer goods sustainability reporting (Tiffany and Apple) Shareholder pressure
