The electronics industry uses a large number of metals and minerals in the production of our devices and these materials are essential for the electronics to work properly. Some are precious metals, some are rare metals. Speaking of metals, the problem is not just the exploitation of scarce natural resources, but also the fact that the minerals trade sometimes ignites armed conflict. An example of this is the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Our electronic device may contain up to 60 different elements.

Gold and silver: used because of their electrical conductivity and their solubility in tin-based welds.

Cobalt: used in batteries

Tungsten: used because of its high density which is needed to make devices vibrate

Tantalum: used in capacitors

Indium: used in LCD screens