How can we secure a responsible supply of critical materials for the 21st century economy?

W957AA HQ — A truck transports rare earth to be exported at the Port of Lianyungang in Jiangsu Province, China. Image credit: Alamy.

Researchers are mitigating the dependency on rare earth imports by developing novel technological solutions.

Our most important technologies, from communications devices to electric vehicles, depend on raw materials that are not evenly distributed around the world - or readily available. Elements we need to power digital devices and climate-friendly technologies are at risk of supply disruptions, leaving import-dependent countries like the UK vulnerable. The University of Birmingham’s Centre for Strategic Elements and Critical Materials is finding solutions.

Quest - How can we secure a responsible supply of critical materials for the 21st century economy?