Geology Reference
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Exergy
New
Natural
Bonus
Thermod.
Rarity
Mine to
market cost
increase
x
C
x
M2
x
M1
x
B
Ore grade
Fig. 4.4
The influence of extraction on thermodynamic rarity, should technology remain constant
Exergy
Rarity
decrease
Former
Mine to
market cost
New Mine to
market cost
x
C
x
M
x
B
Ore grade
Fig. 4.5
The influence of technological improvements on thermodynamic rarity
energy. So, as there is no materials without energy and equally no energy without
materials, the problem is twofold or even threefold if one considers the associated
environmental consequences of mineral extraction as shown in Chap. 1.
This interpretation solves conceptual dilemmas in the classical mineral discourse
providing answers to questions such as: are rare earths truly rare? REE are not
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