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Rare elements and ecology

Rare elements and ecology Purpose – The paper seeks to review the undesirable side‐effects of some measures to protect the environment, particularly the results of increased demand for certain metals used in hybrid cars and wind turbines, and for tantalum for mobile phones. The increased demands for indium and lithium due to technical developments are also discussed although they do not pose corresponding dilemmas. Design/methodology/approach – The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest. Findings – Undesirable side‐effects need to be considered, though means of overcoming them are not always apparent. Practical implications – In the case of tantalum and mobile phones, attention has been given to ethical sourcing. The possibility of indium extraction in the UK is a welcome development. Originality/value – It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Kybernetes Emerald Publishing

Rare elements and ecology

Alex M. Andrew
Kybernetes , Volume 40 (9/10): 3 – Oct 18, 2011
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Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © 2011 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
ISSN
0368-492X
DOI
10.1108/03684921111169567
Publisher site
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Abstract

Purpose – The paper seeks to review the undesirable side‐effects of some measures to protect the environment, particularly the results of increased demand for certain metals used in hybrid cars and wind turbines, and for tantalum for mobile phones. The increased demands for indium and lithium due to technical developments are also discussed although they do not pose corresponding dilemmas. Design/methodology/approach – The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest. Findings – Undesirable side‐effects need to be considered, though means of overcoming them are not always apparent. Practical implications – In the case of tantalum and mobile phones, attention has been given to ethical sourcing. The possibility of indium extraction in the UK is a welcome development. Originality/value – It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.

Journal

Kybernetes – Emerald Publishing

Published: Oct 18, 2011

Keywords: Cybernetics; Rare earth metal; Lanthanide; Coltan; Tantalum; Indium; Lithium; Ecology

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