With the Globalist Net Zero initiative being pushed by governments, little consideration has been put into the real cost of mining Precious Rare Metals to the planet and society. Here is a list of the common industries that use the metals and then a list of the damage they inflict.
- Electronics Industry:
Precious rare metals are extensively used in the electronics industry for their unique properties. For example:- Gold (Au) is used in connectors, contacts, and integrated circuits due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
- Silver (Ag) is used in electrical contacts, switches, and conductive coatings.
- Platinum (Pt) and palladium (Pd) are used in catalytic converters, sensors, and various electronic components.
- Tantalum (Ta) is used in capacitors, which are crucial for energy storage in electronic devices.
- Automotive Industry:
Rare metals find applications in the automotive sector, primarily for their catalytic and electrical properties. For example:- Platinum, palladium, and rhodium (Rh) are used as catalysts in catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles.
- Rare earth elements (e.g., neodymium, dysprosium) are used in the production of permanent magnets used in electric motors and hybrid vehicles.
- Aerospace and Defense Industry:
Precious rare metals are critical for advanced technologies used in aerospace and defense applications. For example:- Tungsten (W) is used in aerospace alloys, such as those used in turbine blades and rocket nozzles.
- Rhenium (Re) is used in high-temperature superalloys for aircraft engines.
- Rare earth elements are used in various military technologies, including guidance systems, lasers, and radar systems.
- Renewable Energy Industry:
Rare metals play a significant role in the production of renewable energy technologies. For example:- Indium (In) is used in thin-film solar cells.
- Tellurium (Te) is used in photovoltaic solar cells.
- Lithium (Li) is a key component in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- Rare earth elements are used in magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicle motors.
- Medical and Healthcare Industry: Some precious rare metals have biomedical applications, such as:
- Platinum is used in chemotherapy drugs to treat certain types of cancer.
- Silver is used in wound dressings and medical devices for its antimicrobial properties.
Environmental Damage:
- Deforestation:
Mining operations often require clearing large areas of forests, leading to the destruction of habitats and loss of biodiversity. - Soil Erosion:
Excavation and extraction activities can result in soil erosion, which degrades the quality of the land and can lead to sedimentation in nearby water bodies. - Water Pollution:
Mining operations can contaminate water sources through the discharge of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and acid mine drainage. This pollution can harm aquatic ecosystems and impact human health. - Air Pollution:
Mining activities may release particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants into the air, contributing to air pollution and potential respiratory problems. - Waste Generation:
The extraction and processing of rare metals produce significant amounts of waste, including tailings, which often contain hazardous substances that pose a risk to the environment and surrounding communities. - Habitat Destruction:
Mining can lead to the destruction and fragmentation of habitats, displacing or threatening the survival of various plant and animal species.
General Financial Costs:
- Initial Investment:
Establishing a mine requires substantial upfront investments in exploration, infrastructure development, equipment, and labor. - Operating Costs:
Mining operations involve ongoing expenses such as energy consumption, machinery maintenance, labor wages, and transportation costs. - Regulatory Compliance:
Mining companies need to comply with numerous regulations and environmental standards, which can involve additional costs for permits, environmental impact assessments, monitoring, and compliance measures. - Environmental Remediation:
After the closure of a mine, environmental remediation activities are often necessary to restore the site and mitigate any ongoing environmental impacts. This process can be expensive and time-consuming. - Legal and Social Challenges:
Mining operations can face legal disputes, social conflicts, and community opposition, leading to potential delays, legal fees, and reputational damage.
With the push for electric vehicles and renewable technology, it’s becoming clear to all who investigate the Net Zero move, that a real concern for the environment is sadly absent.