Reality check

The finite nature of our raw materials

WHAT ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF OUR RESOURCES?

This question is more complex than it seems at first glance. Many factors such as recycling possibilities, substitutability or the recycling rate have an influence on availability. But supply risks due to trade restrictions or regional concentration of raw materials must also be taken into account. An overview.

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RESIDUAL AVAILABILITY

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RESERVES
Deposits that can be mined economically using current state of the art technology.
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RESOURCES
Deposits that are available but cannot yet be mined economically.
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RESIDUAL AVAILABILITY
Indicates how long the reserve or resource would last at the current annual production rate.
                           
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Due to the high concentration of the largest producing countries, the chrome supply is classified as critical.
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Copper is easy to recycle. However, its unique electrical conductivity makes substitution difficult.
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Phosphorus recycling is possible in principle, but cannot be substituted in the main area of agricultural use.
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Due to new applications in high-tech products, an increasing demand for titanium is predicted.
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Recycling is a growing complement to zinc production, but cannot replace it in the foreseeable future.
                        

EXAMPLES OF USE

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CHROME
Alloys for corrosion and heat protection
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COPPER
Wires, cables and conductors
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PHOSPHORUS
Fertilisers and animal feed, Corrosion protection
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TITANIUM
Paints and lacquers, plastics
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ZINC
corrosion protection, in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
                    

RECYCLABILITY

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Describes how much of the processed raw material can be recovered and recycled.
           

SUBSTITUTABILITY
            

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Provides information on how well a raw material can be substituted without a loss in quality and satisfaction of needs.

TOP 3 OF THE PRODUCING COUNTRIES

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Illustration: Elisabeth Deim Sources: Remondis, 2015; German Raw Materials Agency

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