Researchers at Yale University are propagating the practice of recycling rare specialty metals which have widespread applications.
The researchers are pushing for a global level policy for the same. About 30 to 60 metals in the periodic tables fall under the ambit of specialty metals. Some examples of specialty metals are rare earth metals such as gallium, indium and germanium. These elements are used in extremely small proportions for specific technological functions in computer chips, high-strength magnets, solar cells comprising thin films and red phosphors.
According to Barbara Reck, co-author of the study and researcher at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies, the absolute lack of recycling of the specialty metals whose usage is on the rise is a cause for alarm. Since the applications of these metals are complex and technologically advanced, recovery of the specialty metals from these applications for recycling is fraught with challenges that are both economical and technological in nature.
Study co-author, Thomas Graedel added that the small proportion usage of specialty metals does not warrant significant investments in sophisticated separation and recycling techniques. Another reason is that the recycling technology for specialty metals is yet to be tested. Reck stated that the hurdles make recycling inefficient in reality even though concept dictates that metals can be recycled infinitely. The researchers believe that recycling would reduce the exploitation of virgin ores, thereby preserving their life for an extended period. Also, recycling metals is deemed to be more energy efficient than extracting it from a mine. It seems to be an utter wastage of resources to throw away metals that have been extracted by employing expensive, complex methods after just a single use.
Source: http://www.yale.edu/