Planet Earth is losing elements

A “RISK list” of 52 economically valuable elements which could soon be in short supply has been published today by the British Geological Survey.

The list ranks elements according to a risk factor based on their abundance, accessibility and where they are produced.

It includes metals and “rare earth elements” found in mobile phones and electric motors which are critical to a low-carbon digital economy.

In many cases, global production of the elements is concentrated in a small number of countries.

China is the leading producer of 27 of the elements listed as under threat.