Tag: Critical minerals

Over 70% of the world's cobalt supply originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), creating a highly concentrated and geopolitically sensitive market. This reality, coupled with cobalt’s indispensable properties in modern applications, forces the urgent question: is cobalt essential?

The global demand for critical minerals is projected to double by 2040, driven largely by the shift towards clean energy technologies. These vital materials, which include lithium and cobalt, are the foundational components for a vast array of modern products, from smartphones to electric vehicles. But what exactly comprises the official critical minerals list, and why is securing their supply so crucial for the future?

Over 90% of the world's vanadium is historically used to strengthen steel alloys, yet its role in large-scale energy storage is rapidly becoming its most crucial application for a sustainable future. This once little-known element is now central to many modern technological advancements.

While many minerals like quartz are widespread, others are found only in minute concentrations across the Earth's crust. A mineral that occurs only in small amounts is known as a rare mineral or, more specifically, a rare-earth mineral, and its scarcity makes it highly valuable. These minerals are essential for a wide range of advanced technological and industrial applications.

An estimated 1.4 million kg of minerals are used by one person over their lifetime, highlighting their essential role in modern society. While no single "main use" can be identified, minerals are fundamental raw materials for virtually every industry, from sophisticated electronics to basic construction.

Over 30 different minerals are used to create a single mobile phone, illustrating the profound and often overlooked role of minerals in development. These essential resources are the building blocks of modern society, underpinning everything from economic growth to our technological future.

Over 4,000 distinct mineral species have been identified on Earth, forming the bedrock of modern civilization in ways most people never realize. Understanding why minerals around us are important is crucial to appreciating the complex infrastructure and biological functions that sustain us.

According to the National Institutes of Health, essential minerals are inorganic elements found in foods that our bodies need to function normally. Understanding **what are the most critical minerals** is fundamental to a balanced nutrition diet, as they play crucial roles in everything from bone development to immune system function and metabolic processes.