Rare Earth Elements – a Novelty in Energy Security

• Autorzy: Bielawski Radosław

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.12911/22998993/119810

• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

This study analyses the role of rare earth elements (REE) as critical resources for the energy security. This research presents the developments in the global REE extraction, i.e. the dominance of the Republic of China, which attempts to maintain and control its monopoly. The typical and novel uses of rare earth metals were presented in various applications, such as in advanced electronic and information technologies utilised in the aerospace and energy industries. Bearing in mind their vital importance to the manufacturing of high-tech products, the REE deposits are of strategic importance for the USA, the Republic of China and for the European Union. Striving to maintain the independence of raw materials, the USA is focused on the search for raw materials on its territory and furthermore on waiving the legal restrictions with respect to their extraction. China is primarily occupied with maintaining the monopoly and control over the global market of critical raw materials, including REE. The activities within the European Union concentrate on the exploration in search for the REE deposits in Europe and ensuring the continuity of supplies by maintaining good diplomatic relations with partners – the USA and Japan. In addition, extensive REE recycling initiatives are being undertaken in the EU. Further rare earth metals extraction is anticipated to extend to the outer space. However, developing the economically viable methods of extraction remains the major challenge faced by space mining, given that it requires establishing an expensive, permanent space infrastructure. What is more, mining and processing of rare earth metals raises serious environmental concerns, as it involves such hazards as radioactive products, toxic chemical compounds and waste generation. With respect to the environmental protection, this study also addresses the issues of REE substitutes and recycling. It is concluded that the environmental protection practices regarding the long-term extraction and use of REE (with a 2030 horizon) will bring substantial long-term financial benefits.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

state security; energy security; critical raw materials; rare earth elements; outer space

• Wydawca: Polskie Towarzystwo Inżynierii Ekologicznej ; Lublin University of Technology
• Czasopismo: Journal of Ecological Engineering
• Rocznik: 2020
• Tom: Vol. 21, nr 4
• Strony: 134--149
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 49 poz., rys.

Twórcy

autor

Bielawski Radosław

• Faculty of National Security, War Studies University, Al. Chruściela 103, 00-910 Warsaw, Poland

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Uwagi

Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa Nr 461252 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2020).