Rare earths are threatening technological development

The lack of rare earth metals, used in high-tech electronics, is threatening to push back the rapid growth of many different technologies.

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With the rapid growth of technology, the supply of key elements, especially rare earth metals, will be in a state of stress.

China currently holds 97% of worldwide rare earth exports - (Photo: AFP)

Yale University researchers say they have analyzed the use of 62 metals or non-metals commonly found in popular technologies such as smartphones.

The results show that no materials that can represent equivalent 62 metal / non-metal groups can be found.

According to a report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , research leader Thomas Graedel said rare earth metals cost a lot of money to exploit and essences, and the processing process always causes serious consequences. important for the environment.

Politics may be a pressure factor for the supply of rare earths, such as China's decision to limit the export of many metals needed for high technology by 2010.