Urgent need to recycle rare metals

The demand for metals such as neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy) is increasing much faster than production. These metals are used in technologies such as the generators that store power in wind turbines, and the electric motors that propel electric and hybrid cars. But they are also used in everyday products like computers and mobile phones.

Rare earth metals do occur in Earth's crust, but not in sufficiently high concentrations. This is why only one country -- China -- has so far been supplying the entire world with these elements. However, in recent years, China has begun to restrict its export of these materials

 

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