Ultrapure neodymium under argon (via MIT)
Rare earth metals are used in a wide variety of items that include lasers (Praseodymium), computer memory (Gadolinium) and camera lenses (Lanthanum) and most leading countries are in competition to acquire as much of these metal elements as possible. This affects ‘green’ technology, as well. Wind turbines for example, can use as much as 1,300 Lbs. of rare earth metals. Translate that into large wind farms and that amount can become staggering, to say the least. A typical car uses about 1 pound of these elements (dysprosium) while electric or hybrid vehicles use even more which is incorporated into their batteries and motors.
A team of researchers from MIT have conducted a study that included 10 rare earth elements and have found that in the next quarter of a century we could see the demand for dysprosium shoot up to around 2,600% while others such as neodymium could go as high as 700%. Both of these elements are in high demand for their superior magnetic qualities. The team states that while resources may dwindle, it does not mean they will disappear but rather the cost of mining the elements will change how the elements are used. Meaning that we may have to look at how financially viable (recycling?) are these metals and can we improve their efficiency in the products we use them for. I’m curious as to how hard it would be to recycle these elements or if it could be done at all, and could we substitute something else to accomplish the same job while remaining ‘green’? What are your thoughts?
Eavesdropper
