UN warns rare metal shortage could derail clean tech boom

clock • 2 min read

Failure to improve recycling rates of metals such as lithium and gallium could leave them "essentially unavailable" for use in solar panels, electric cars and other clean technologies

The UN yesterday issued a stark warning that the adoption of low carbon technologies such as solar panels, electric cars and energy efficient lights could stall unless the recycling rates for "speciality...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Supply chain

Seeds of stability: How African agritech can secure global food futures
Supply chain

Seeds of stability: How African agritech can secure global food futures

Strengthening Africa's agricultural systems is not only a developmental priority but a strategic necessity for Britain's food security, writes Dr. Ngonidzashe Chirinda from University Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Morocco

Dr Ngonidzashe Chirinda, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic
clock 03 October 2025 • 4 min read
The Chancery Lane Project publishes new guidance for deforestation-free supply chains
Supply chain

The Chancery Lane Project publishes new guidance for deforestation-free supply chains

Guide includes best practices for integrating deforestation-free supply chain due diligence into commercial contracts in line with the EU Deforestation Regulation

Amber Rolt
clock 02 October 2025 • 3 min read
Mario Abreu: 'People think sustainability is about saying 'no' to business opportunities'
Supply chain

Mario Abreu: 'People think sustainability is about saying 'no' to business opportunities'

Nutella maker's vice president of sustainability discusses the need for versatile communicators who can engage farmers and suppliers with the benefits environmental action can bring

Stuart Stone
Stuart Stone
clock 30 September 2025 • 7 min read