All the metals mined in 2021 - infographic

[Altair]

All the metals mined in 2021.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...d_fullsize.jpg



Previously:

Most expensive materials in the world - photo
Minerals critical to U.S. national security - photo
World's rare earth reserves - infographic
World's biggest crude oil reserves by country - photo

[mlochala]

With consideration for the growing reliance on rechargeable electric transportation, I can see that lithium number jumping dramatically. Wonder if there is even enough to get us very many years down the road?

[Frank S]

With consideration for the growing reliance on rechargeable electric transportation, I can see that lithium number jumping dramatically. Wonder if there is even enough to get us very many years down the road?

You're not supposed to ask questions like that it makes their heads explode

[schuylergrace]

With consideration for the growing reliance on rechargeable electric transportation, I can see that lithium number jumping dramatically. Wonder if there is even enough to get us very many years down the road?

Cobalt is an even larger component of an EV battery. That said battery technology is in a state of rapid flux, so there's no telling what the next generation of batteries will be composed of. In fact batteries may not be batteries at all (at least, in the conventional sense) as capacitor tech is showing promise, too. And the technology is out there to build roads with charging coils built in, so vehicles charge as they drive (or feed directly off the highway grid). That would allow much smaller batteries to accommodate travel for shorter stints on "off-grid" roadways.