Rare Earth Metals May Be Lurking in Your Junk Drawer

Reusing and Recycling Rare Earth Metals

A recent study conducted by researchers in China and the Netherlands has revealed that reusing or recycling rare earth metals from old cellphones, hard drives, electric motors, and turbines could potentially meet up to 40 percent of the demand for these metals in the United States, China, and Europe by 2050. This finding is particularly promising for the United States, as it heavily relies on imports of rare earth metals.

Rare earth metals are vital components of green technology, such as electric vehicles and wind turbines, which play a crucial role in transitioning away from fossil fuels. They are also utilized in industries like aircraft and satellite manufacturing. By reusing and recycling rare earth metals, the need for mining, which can have harmful environmental and human rights impacts, can be greatly reduced.

Advantages of Recovering Rare Earth Metals

Unlike fossil fuels that are permanently lost once consumed, rare earth metals can be recovered and used as an alternative supply. This is especially advantageous as switching to renewable energy from burning fossil fuels is essential for combating global warming. Recovering rare earth metals from old products instead of mining the earth can also help reduce pollution and mitigate geopolitical risks associated with supply chain vulnerabilities.

Although the concept of reusing and recycling rare earth metals is not new, it has not been widely implemented. Currently, only about 1 percent of rare earths in old products are reused or recycled. However, the latest study predicts that the accumulation of rare earth stockpiles in electronic waste could far exceed the amount that can be obtained through mining.

Challenges and Future Development

While the opportunity to recover rare earth metals from electronic waste is promising, there are significant challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main obstacles is the difficulty in extracting rare earths, as they are often combined with other metals. Some recycling methods also require hazardous chemicals and consume a large amount of energy.

Scientists and researchers are actively working on advancing recycling techniques, such as using microbes instead of toxic chemicals to extract rare earths. Companies like Apple are developing robots to aid in the recovery of critical materials from old electronics. Additionally, several U.S. states already have recycling laws in place to collect used electronics, although the recycling of rare earths in these electronics is still limited.

While there may not be a simple solution, ongoing research and interest in the field provide hope for a more sustainable approach to rare earth metal supply and usage.