Critical minerals supply chain bottlenecks
Key Questions
What warning has SINTEF issued on critical minerals?
Mineral dependency now exceeds that of fossil fuels. A 25% recycling target has been described as ambitious.
What breakthrough occurred in lithium extraction?
Columbia S3E technology enables sustainable extraction from low-grade sources. This could benefit sites like California's Salton Sea.
What debate surrounds deep-sea mining?
Discussions intensify over polymetallic nodules versus land-based mining. Concerns include 'dark oxygen' impacts on ocean ecosystems.
SINTEF warns mineral dependency exceeds fossils; 25% recycling target ambitious. Columbia S3E lithium extraction breakthrough offers sustainable path for low-grade sources like Salton Sea. Deep-sea mining debate intensifies (polymetallic nodules vs. land mining, 'dark oxygen' controversy).
Sources (2)
Updated May 26, 2026