ProsackHenry-Rare+Earth+Metals

=**Rare Earth Metals Affect Green Technology** by Henry Prosack=



Rare Earth Metals consist of seventeen elements that are considered by their value rare. These metals are used in a variety of different products, and are a necessity for the technological advancement into the coming age. The image above depicts the Mountain Pass mine in California, which was closed in 2002, and it’s considered to have the highest concentration of rare earth metals in the world. These elements are significantly important to green technology. As new alternatives are being researched, the more likely these metals will be used. There is a great matrix of problems that are associated with rare earth metals.

REE’s are influential to decisions made in international policies and relationships. Before the 1990’s, the United States was the leading producer and exporter of rare earth metals. However, China began to open up mines and cut down the price of the metals. Since the materials from China were much cheaper to buy, the United States abandoned their mines and imported the raw materials from China. Currently, China produces 97% of the world’s supply of rare earth metals. This has put them at a high technological advantage over the rest of the world. However, this situation is getting worse. China is considering banning the exports of the REE’s in order to expand their own economy. This is one of the many reasons why U.S.-China relations are not great. The United States is worried about their military dependence on China, as these metals contribute to the advanced military technology that the United States is developing. In terms of economical and technological power, China has this significant advantage which has caused several international problems.

Some studies have shown that there will be a shortage of rare earth metals in the year 2012. If a shortage happens, the amount of wind turbines, hybrid cars, cell phones, solar panels, and military defense weapons will decrease. They will also be severely impacted. Now, we can observe that some of the technologies used by the rare earth metals are used for green technology. If there is a shortage, it could mean the end of these alternative ways of using energy. The world somewhat understands what sustainability is, even if they don’t support it. The shortage would stop any movements in changing the status quo on energy, and we are looking at a major sustainability problem. Without these metals, we won’t be able to save ourselves and our planet when the time comes to change. Currently, the world exceeds supply of rare earth metals by 40,000 tons per year. There’s not enough material to satisfy the world’s need.

For instance, indium is used in solar cells. If for some reason, we can’t receive these materials due to either a shortage or a restriction of trade, solar power will struggle to get any support due to the low efficiencies of alternative metals in the panels. Silicon solar cells are 40% less efficient than indium solar cells. Observing policies and consumer habits, we can safely say that solar power does not have much support on a national scale. Eventually, we may implement bigger systems. However, solar power will not gain any more support if these rare earth metals are not being used. Fuel cells are considered to be a solution to our energy problem. Not concerned with any arguments for or against if it’s useful, the fuel cells are platinum catalyzed. Platinum is one of the seventeen elements. The batteries, motors, and magnets in the hybrid car are all made up of rare earth metals. The Prius is considered in the scientific community to be the biggest user of rare earth metals in the world. If there’s a shortage, Toyota would take a huge hit as would the environment friendly automotive industry. We must view these elements as valuable resources that will further the technological advancement for our society.

Rare earth metals have also created environmental problems. In China, the mines are locally detrimental to the surrounding environment. They destroy rice fields, and the acid that is used to extract some of the metals contaminates the water due to the runoff. There are also labor issues in the mines. However, these mines are not a big concern politically because the output of the materials from the mines keeps the world more stable compared to there being a lot of restrictions, which in turn limits output. Half of the mines in China aren’t even licensed. In effect, companies that buy the materials don’t know if they are coming from legal sources.

There are several suggested solutions to the problems that the elements made. A month ago in Washington, a conference named the Technology & Rare Earth Metals for National Security & Clean Energy took place. Representatives among the political and scientific communities met to discuss the United States actions in concern with the REEs. One solution was to reopen the Mountain Pass mine in California to depend less on China’s materials. However, it would take two years to get the mine fully operational. Another solution would be to develop other alternatives to the metals by using more abundant metals. In order to achieve this, a great deal of research will need to be conducted in order to raise the effectiveness to these alternatives. From an economic standpoint, we should globalize the supply chains in order to maintain a better flow of circulation between countries, reducing the risk of a shortage. In conclusion, we must understand that these new, greener technologies come with an expensive price. We should evaluate our situation with rare earth metals more carefully.

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