Endangered elements, critical raw materials and conflict minerals.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Energy
• Resource Management

Background:

• Modern technology and low-carbon energy production rely on critical elements.
• Current recycling rates for many essential elements, like indium, are insufficient.
• The availability of 'hitchhiker' elements is tied to primary material production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the current situation and future outlook of critical element availability.
• To assess the necessity of material substitution and recycling for renewable energy expansion.
• To highlight the urgency of efficient resource utilization and collection strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of current resource availability and production rates.
• Assessment of recycling program effectiveness for critical elements.
• Evaluation of the commercial viability of Earth-abundant material alternatives.

Main Results:

• Low recycling rates for critical elements like indium necessitate improved programs.
• Transitioning to renewable energy requires substituting scarce elements with abundant alternatives.
• Fossil fuels are currently needed for processing, and abundant material technologies are not yet commercially viable at scale.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for efficient use, collection, and recycling of critical elements.
• Development of Earth-abundant alternatives and enhanced recycling are crucial for sustainable technology.
• Addressing supply limitations requires strategic planning for both immediate and long-term resource management.