Decline of Rare Earth Metals Used In Clean Tech Might Compromise Future Innovations
Rare earth metals are a key component in the clean technologies of today, with elements like neodymium, lanthanum, dysprosium essential to the creation of hybrid and full-electric vehicles produced by Toyota in the Prius line of vehicles and their competitors in the green car market, as well as for use in generators in wind and tidal turbines. But as the production of clean technology relies upon the use of these rare metals that we’re found little use for in the past, there’s a chance that the earth’s supply might be depleted before there is ample opportunity to take green technology to an all new level, far beyond where we are today.
The majority of the world’s rare-earth metals come out of China, and as they are beginning to make more use of these resources, a decreased supply is being exported to the rest of the world which has some vehicle manufacturers, like Toyota, that relies on these metals for use in the manufacturing process of the Prius, which in its engine uses 1 kg of neodymium and 10 kg of lanthanum for the battery worried about how that will effect their ability to produce more eco-friendly electric and hybrid vehicles.
It’s estimated that over the next few years as the use of these rare metals increase to develop more clean tech items, more than 40,000 tons of supply will be used. In order to meet this demand both California and locations in Canada are looking into developing more mining sites for these rare-earth metals so the progress being made in the development of green technologies isn’t put on hold. With a little bit of creative thinking, in the future, clean tech might also move away from metals to use something else to make green vehicles and other energy sources operate.
By RUDY HERNDON
Ely Times Reporter
Mt. Hope project developer General Moly has finished its final technical reports on the proposed molybdenum mine, bringing an end to more than two years of environmental studies.
The company plans to submit the reports to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management within the month, and the agency's Battle Mountain office could release its draft Environmental Impact Statement on the project soon afterwards, according to Mt. Hope General Manager Tim Arnold.
A final Record of Decision on the project is expected some time in mid-2010.
The last two studies focused on the hydrology and geochemistry of the pit lake that would form once mining and milling operations came to a halt.
From beginning to end, it took about four months to drill the observation wells and core holes, conduct pump tests and prepare the groundwater models for the reports. But ultimately, the extra effort was well worth it, Arnold said.
"The studies have given us much better information on the pit area," he told the Ely Times Sept. 2.
While drilling crews were busy at the project site 23 miles north of Eureka, things have been much quieter closer to town.
To date, the company has spent about $5 million on its planned Eureka Canyon housing development -- mostly on earthwork at the site.
Within the next month or so, crews will be spraying mulch on the surrounding slopes to encourage plant growth.
By the time it's completed, the housing development could end up costing about $20 million -- roughly three to four times as much as a subdivision in the flat Diamond Valley would. But the Eureka Canyon site is closer to town, and its proximity would minimize the strain on local services, Arnold said.
Initially, the development would serve as temporary housing for many of the several hundred workers who are expected to flock to the area over a 20-month construction period.
But once those workers move on and the mine is up and running, Eureka Canyon could become a permanent home for up to 400 mine employees and their families.
The Mt. Hope project has a projected lifespan of 44 years -- 32 years of mining and milling operations, followed by 12 years of processing lower-grade stockpiles.
At its peak, the mine could become one of the world's largest primary producers of steel-strengthening molybdenum, producing roughly 40 million pounds annually in its first five years of operations.
A public meeting on the Mt. Hope project will be held at the Eureka Opera House at 7 p.m. on Sept. 21.
For more information, go to: www.generalmoly.com.
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