No substitutes for common metals

Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies recently published a study analyzing potential substitutes for 62 different metals in their major uses. The study found not one “exemplary” replacement.

While some metals, such as aluminum and zinc, had somewhat inferior substitutes, for other widely used metals like copper, manganese, and lead, there are no good substitutes presently available.

The study cites some of the many benefits of metals including “faster computers, more dependable vehicles and higher resolution images,” and raised concerns about whether or not robust supplies of all of these materials can be ensured.

Unfortunately, minerals and metals scarcity is a concern for many of our important industries; in a PwC study, 78 percent of high-tech CEOs, 67 percent of renewable energy CEOs and ha50 percent of aviation CEOs faced metals scarcity issues.

A more efficient federal permitting process could help to secure a reliable domestic metals and minerals supply chain, while also fostering American innovation and creating millions of American jobs.

Mined minerals and metals are critical to all technology — from the most common to the most advanced — but without the ability to get new mining projects off the ground, we will continue to struggle to meet the growing demand for resources.

Read the full study here.