For Oregon State University, Nancy Steinberg writes about a deep examination into the minerals that are critical to many of modern day inventions. Despite the global shift towards renewables and other green technologies, we are still dependent on the minerals that come from deep underground to make up those components. However, it is not simply the supply that designates a mineral as critical. Its usage, where it can be found in the world, and also how we extract it in regards to methodology and environment are all factors to consider. Join the journey on Steinberg’s piece to enter a deep dive where policy and people meet science to discuss our most indispensable resources.
Photo: NASA/METI/AIST/Japan Space Systems, and U.S./Japan ASTER Science Team via Wikimedia Commons
