Sustainability of emerging energy and transportation technologies is impacted by the coexistence of minerals in nature

Wind power and electric vehicles can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve air quality. However, these technologies rely on rare metals whose extraction requires large amounts of energy and water and are high in carbon emissions. This paper considers the sustainability of both technologies and the impacts of rare earth elements co-extraction using a global dynamic material flow-stock model and several scenarios for rare earth elements demand and supply. Results show that cumulative carbon dioxide equivalent emissions associated with rare earth metals oversupply was between 5.5 and 6.4 times the emissions associated with dysprosium and neodymium production when dysprosium demand was increased. Targeting metal-rich deposits and increased material efficiency and recycling reduced carbon dioxide emissions significantly. The findings highlight the role of resource efficiency and recycling in enhancing clean energy technologies.

Ayman Elshkaki