50 likes | 64 Views
Learn about challenges in sustainable rare metal production, role of regulations, and consumer actions to encourage eco-friendly practices. Discover insights from industry experts at Cornell University and PetraScience Consultants Inc.
E N D
Securing Critical Resources in aNew 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