Cell phone
We depend upon our cell phones for communication, information, data collecting, entertainment, and much more. But, do you know what critical minerals go into cell phones? Check out the links below to learn more!
Geological Society of London:
https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/~/media/shared/documents/education%20and%20careers/Resources/Posters/Minerals%20in%20a%20smartphone%20poster.pdf?la=en
US Geological Survey:
https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/0167/gip167.pdf
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/minerals-mobile-devices-infographic
Smithsonian:
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/education/teaching-resources/anthropology-and-social-studies/cellphone-science
Natural History Museum (UK):
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/your-mobile-phone-is-powered-by-precious-metals-and-minerals.html
Computer
Our society is highly dependent upon computers for a wide variety of purposes. Many of us use them on a daily basis for work and recreation, but what minerals go into making them? Do all computers use the same minerals? Read more below!
National Mining Association:
http://www.nma.org/pdf/m_computer.pdf
U.S. Geological Survey:
https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/fs060-01/fs060-01.pdf
Car battery
Fully electric cars, or hybrid vehicles, are becoming more and more common on our roads. Charging stations are much in evidence in parking lots, garages, and many other places. What materials are essential for making the batteries that power these vehicles? Read the links to find out!
International Energy Agency:
https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/charts/minerals-used-in-electric-cars-compared-to-conventional-cars
Stanford University:
https://andthewest.stanford.edu/2021/car-batteries-are-the-goal-lithium-is-the-quickest-way-to-make-them-does-a-global-good-require-local-sacrifice-in-the-southwest
Windmills
Windmills are an old technology, formerly used to turn the power of the wind into a source of energy to grind grain. These giant modern windmills, however, are used to provide electricity in a renewable manner. Check out the links below to find out from what minerals they are made.
US Geological Survey:
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/critical-mineral-commodities-renewable-energy
Minerals Education Coalition:
https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/mec_fact_sheet_wind_turbines_0.pdf
U.S. Dept. of Energy:
https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/articles/new-database-helps-quantify-materials-needed-support-growth-wind-energy
Solar panels
Solar panels are mounted on structures, or set out in arrays, to convert the Sun’s energy to electricity. More and more people are electing to have solar panels installed on their houses. What minerals go into making these panels? Read the links below!
US Geological Survey:
https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/critical-mineral-commodities-renewable-energy
Intergovernmental Forum on Mining:
https://www.igfmining.org/minerals-green-economy-solar-panels-lithium-ion-batteries
International Energy Agency:
https://www.iea.org/reports/the-role-of-critical-minerals-in-clean-energy-transitions/mineral-requirements-for-clean-energy-transitions
LED lights
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are bright lights used for many purposes. You probably have one in your cell phone, and they are common household sources of illumination. You will probably be surprised when you find out how many minerals go into making these lights! Read below to find out more!
Minerals Education Coalition:
https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/mec_fact_sheet_led_bulbs_0.pdf
U.S. Geological Survey:
https://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2012/5215/