5 minutes agoEurope's Largest Savings of Rare minerals Discovered in Sweden
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)The largest European deposit of rare metals, widely used in the industry, has been discovered in Sweden from the construction of telephones to the missile. There are currently no mines of these metals in Europe and for Sweden this discovery is a way to reduce the European Union's dependence on China. The discovery [...]
There are currently no mines of these metals in Europe and for Sweden this discovery is a way to reduce the European Union's dependence on China. The discovery is also considered crucial for transition into the green economy because of the growing demand for electric vehicles and wind turbines. In 2021, about 98% of rare metals in the EU were imported from China.
According to reports, over 1 million tonnes of rare metals have been found in the Swedish Arctic. According to the United States, the world's reserves are estimated to be some 120 million tons.
The rare metal term is used for a group of 17 elements used for the construction of a wide range of products and infrastructure, which are very important for daily life. They are found in mobile phones, computer equipment, and trains. But they are also important for green technology, as they are also used for the construction of wind turbines and electric vehicles. Some elements are also used in military equipment, such as rockets and guidance systems.
The extraction of these metals is dangerous and is likely to damage the environment. But the demand for them is projected to increase by 5 times until 2030.
What are rare metals?
Neodymium: It is used to build powerful magnets used in sound and computer units, making them smaller and more efficient. Neodymium magnets are also used for the construction of wind turbines and hybrid vehicles.
Lanthanum: This element is used in building telescopes and cameras, as well as in lighting and cinema.
Cerium: It's used in car cartels and in the oil refining process.
Praseodymium: It is used to create solid metals used in aircraft engines.
Gasdolinium: It's used in X-ray and MRl scan systems as well as on TV screens.
Yourrium, terbium, Europium: They are used to build TV screens and computers and other screen equipment. Europium is also used in the construction of nuclear reactors.
Source Layer: Royal Chemistry Society, British Geological Studies/ A2 CNN
