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Environmental impacts of the renewable energy technologies that require extraction of rare earth metals

Kanellis Michail-Aristeidis

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Summary

This thesis deals with a study regarding the environmental impacts related to the mining of rare earth metals, with reference to the technologies of renewable energy sources and the costs involved. Initially, in the first chapter, through an extensive bibliographic reference, the broader understanding of the concept of rare earths is discussed. In more detail, the definitions of this concept are examined on the one hand, and their historical evolution, through the efforts to clarify the concept. In addition, a classification of rare earths is implemented, analyzing their respective categorizations, such as, for example, light rare earths and heavy rare earths. At the same time, the geology of rare earths is captured, as well as their applications in everyday life. Finally, in the 1st chapter, there is an extensive discussion about the countries producing rare earths, on the one hand, in a global perspective and on the other in the Greek area. Subsequently, in the 2nd chapter, reference is made to the economic correlations of rare earths. More specifically, the bibliographic review led to the analysis of rare earths as an economic superweapon of modern businesses around the world, and how the country of China has emerged as a global superpower in the exploitation of specific deposits, with an international recognition, while at the same time the industrial rare earth market in today's economically developed countries. In addition, the coexistence of the concepts of rare earths and renewable energy sources is realized. In more detail, initially a first introductory approach to this subject is carried out, while then reference is made to the utilization of rare earths in renewable sources. In addition, environmental risks and recycling technologies are defined. In conclusion, a comparison of renewable energy technologies requiring rare earths is made, with references to advantages, disadvantages and cost figures. Then, in the 4th chapter, the analysis of the evaluation and exploitation of rare earths is carried out. More specifically, there is talk of the policies and regulations surrounding their mining. Furthermore, through the provision of information from the bibliographic review, the evaluation factors are mentioned, with an analytical approach to economic and environmental factors. Finally, a summary of the present thesis, with the recording of the conclusions, which emerged from the study and research of the specific subject, while at the same time orientation is also provided in directions for future research and further analysis in specific aspects of this subject.

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