The Raw Materials for Tomorrow’s Technology

Where ever you turn today, it is likely you will see the implementation of new technologies that rely more and more on electric motors, solar panels, batteries and electrical / data networks. In the same way that the last industrial revolution  (1820-1817) relied on the availability of abundant raw materials such as iron ore, coal, copper, gold, oil and industrial crops (rubber, cotton etc), the next wave of innovation will also be driven by the availability of raw materials.

 

This graphic from the 2018 Vancouver Resource Investment Conference, illustrates many of the raw materials that are needed for the continued development of renewable energy power generation, electricity transmission and electric motors.

 

All of these materials will have to come from mines across the globe with Australia being a major provider of a significant amount, including iron ore, copper, uranium, nickel and rare earths.

 

So, next time you are looking at a solar array, wind turbine, electric car or set of power lines, imagine what the world would be like without the raw materials that make these technologies possible and the vital part of our society that they are.