What rare earth elements are used in cell phones?

Rare earth metals are found in varying quantities in smartphones. Neodymium, dysprosium, praseodymium, terbium, gadolinium and lanthanum are found inside displays and other electronic components of smartphones.

Are rare earth metals used in electronics?

Some of the rare-earth metals (and their atomic weights) that are commonly used in electronics include lanthanum (57), cerium (58), neodymium (60), samarium (62), europium (63), terbium (65), and dysprosium (66).

How many phones would it take to get the equivalent amount of metals?

But once you start thinking at the big scale, it looks a lot more attractive: one million mobile phones could deliver nearly 16 tonnes of copper, 350kg of silver, 34kg of gold and 15kg of palladium. The challenge is how to recover those minerals and materials safely and economically.

Can you recycle rare earth elements?

Rare earth elements are critical to modern life and society. Very limited recycling of these critical elements currently takes place. Advances can be made in recycling of the REE from magnets, fluorescent lamps, batteries and catalysts. Increased amounts of REE recycling is needed to ensure security of supply.

How many rare earth metals are in a smartphone?

Metals are what make smartphones so “smart.” An average smartphone may contain up to 62 dif- ferent types of metals. One rather obscure group of metals—the rare-earth metals—plays a vital role. The rare-earth metals include scandium and yttrium, as well as elements 57–71.

What electronic devices use rare earth metals?

“Rare-earth elements (REEs) are used as components in high technology devices, including smart phones, digital cameras, computer hard disks, fluorescent and light-emitting-diode (LED) lights, flat screen televisions, computer monitors, and electronic displays.

Are old cell phones recyclable?

Yes, your old cell phones can be recycled, reused, or refurbished. A fully-functional phone unwanted by you does not belong in the trash, but can be used by someone else. Phones with minor problems are fixable for reuse. For phones that are beyond repair, recycling is the way to go.

How do I dispose of old mobile phones in India?

Many firms, like Cashify and Karma Recycling, will accept your old phone to be recycled, as will many charities. A lot of electronics stores will take old phones. Plus, all kinds of websites allow you to send your phone in to be recycled (just Google “mobile recycle” to find some top names).

Are Rare Earth Magnets recyclable?

While the recycling of rare earth magnets – including neodymium and samarium cobalt – is technically possible, it is not scalable or efficient for most businesses. In fact, less than 1 percent of rare earths were recycled as of 2011, due to a combination of technical, financial, and political reasons.