Strategic metals and Rare Earth
The year 2021 has been marked by continued high prices for metallic raw materials such as cobalt, nickel, lithium and rare earths. This significant increase in raw materials also affects copper, nickel, graphite and aluminium, which are essential elements and metals for the manufacture of batteries and electric motors, sectors that are experiencing very strong growth. Concerns about copper have been particularly acute, with its price having doubled in 18 months. Industrial consumers of this material are concerned about its supply, as demand is expected to double by 2030.
Presentation of Strategic Metals and Rare Earths
There are three main sources of strategic metals: waste from electrical and electronic equipment (electronic cards, batteries), shredder residues and other industrial process residues (catalysts, end-of-life vehicles, etc.).
Scandium, yttrium and the fifteen lanthanides make up the 17 metals known as "rare earths". These metals are nowadays used in the production of high technology for their remarkable characteristics. They are no rarer than nickel or copper but are unevenly distributed over the earth's surface, which makes them difficult to exploit. They are necessary for the digital and energy transition. As a result, rare earths are considered strategic metals in the global economy. Rare earth recycling projects are underway to extract them from urban mining waste (permanent magnet, NiMH (nickel metal hydride) battery, fluorescent lamp, etc.).
TEAM2 Actions in Strategic Metals and Rare Earths
Within its area of Strategic Metals and Rare Earths, our objective is to ensure the energy and digital transition in France and to increase the production of secondary resources from recycling.
Through our support actions with our members and the many projects approved by the cluster that have obtained funding, we are contributing to the metallurgy of the future, adapted to environmental issues, particularly the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Contact us for more information on Strategic Metals and Rare Earths
For more information, please contact Aude Mortier - Head of Metals area.