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Quantifying the relative availability of high-tech by-product metals – The cases of gallium, germanium and indium

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  • Frenzel, Max
  • Mikolajczak, Claire
  • Reuter, Markus A.
  • Gutzmer, Jens

Abstract

There are considerable concerns about the supply security of certain high-tech elements produced as by-products. To determine in how far these concerns are justified by the actual availability of these elements, we compare the supply potentials for three particularly relevant examples – gallium, germanium and indium – to current and historic production volumes. Our assessment is based on detailed estimates of the amounts extractable from various raw materials given contemporary market prices and technologies. While the estimate for gallium is taken from a previous publication, the estimate for germanium is recalculated from an earlier estimate of recoverable germanium in reserves and resources, and the estimate for indium is compiled as part of this article.

Suggested Citation

  • Frenzel, Max & Mikolajczak, Claire & Reuter, Markus A. & Gutzmer, Jens, 2017. "Quantifying the relative availability of high-tech by-product metals – The cases of gallium, germanium and indium," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 327-335.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:52:y:2017:i:c:p:327-335
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2017.04.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    7. Choi, Chul Hun & Kim, Sang-Phil & Lee, Seokcheon & Zhao, Fu, 2020. "Game theoretic production decisions of by-product materials critical for clean energy technologies - Indium as a case study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    8. Philipp Schäfer & Mario Schmidt, 2021. "Model-based analysis of the limits of recycling for its contribution to climate change mitigation [Modellgestützte Analyse der Grenzen des Beitrags von Recycling zum Klimaschutz]," Sustainability Nexus Forum, Springer, vol. 29(2), pages 65-75, June.
    9. Mei, Yueru & Geng, Yong & Chen, Zhujun & Xiao, Shijiang & Gao, Ziyan, 2024. "Ensuring the sustainable supply of semiconductor material: A case of germanium in China," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 271(C).

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