Assessing the energy requirements and global warming potential of the production of rare earth elements

摘要: Abstract The rare earth elements (REE) play an indispensable role in modern technology, especially wind turbines, or as phosphors, catalysts, specialty alloys and others. Despite the benefits of REE, there has been minimal research assessing environmental impacts REE mining. Here, we present a “cradle to gate” scale life cycle impact assessment for 26 operating potential mining projects, focusing on gross energy requirement global warming primary production stage. results suggest that declining ore grades significantly increase production. On unit basis (such GJ/t-metal kg CO 2e /t-metal), causes higher than common metals (e.g. Cu, bauxite, steel), with refining stage being responsible greatest proportion these impacts. Changing configuration could lead diverse footprints associated each project.