FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Hard and rugged rare metals transform,
change their applications,
and become parts that support the world,
creating a colorful and shining future.
YOKOSHIRO continues to
take on the challenge and
explore the infinite possibilities.
Rare Metals
Move the World
Tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel.
Unlike iron or aluminum, we rarely see these metals in our daily lives, and they may seem unfamiliar. However, they are indispensable and close to us in our everyday lives, playing crucial roles in keeping the world running. For example, rare metals are used in various places like these.
Smart phone /
PC
Aerospace
Automobile
Solar power
Medical care
Home appliances
LED
Carbide tools
- Why are rare metals rare?
-
Among the metals on Earth, rare metals are characterized by their scarcity and limited distribution. The reasons are their low amount in the Earth’s crust, export restrictions by certain countries with limited production, and the advanced technology and costs required for mining and refining them.
- How many types of rare metals exist?
-
In Japan, 31 types of non-ferrous metals used in industries are commonly referred to as rare metals. Among them, 17 types fall under the category of “rare earths.” In comparison, metals with high production volumes like iron, copper, zinc, lead, and aluminum are classified as base metals, while gold, silver, and platinum are categorized as precious metals.
Rare Metals are
Reborn
Even after being used in products, rare metals can be repurposed as raw materials for other applications. They are refined to remove impurities, and reprocessed, allowing them to be reused multiple times. Let’s take tungsten, which has recently gained attention, as an example to explain the distribution circle of rare metals.
Rare metal distribution cycle
- Is tungsten the strongest metal?
-
With a hardness second only to diamond, a weight 2.5 times that of iron, and excellent heat resistance, tungsten can be used in harsh environments. It is used in carbide tools for metal cutting, as well as in the aerospace industry and medical devices. Due to its durability, tungsten is also becoming popular as a material for fishing gear and accessories.
- Why is tungsten’s chemical symbol “W”?
-
The chemical symbol ‘W’ comes from the initial letter of the German word ‘Wolfram,’ which refers to its ‘wolf-like’ properties. Demand for tungsten increased in the military field starting in the 1900s, and Japan once had tungsten mines. By the way, “Tungsten” means “heavy stone” in Swedish.
Rare Metals
Keep Circulating
With the evolution of IT technology, the demand for rare metals has rapidly expanded,
leading to concerns about potential future shortages. The most effective solution to this problem is recycling.
Sustainable Recycling system
YOKOSHIRO has been at the forefront of engaging in the reuse of used rare metals, acting as a coordinator connecting manufacturers, the refining industry, and users.
In recent years, we have been working on improving techniques of collection and analysis, reducing environmental impact and recycling costs, and continuously exploring new possibilities for rare metals.
What we can do for the future is to establish a sustainable recycling system that ensures the continuous circulation of rare metals, even in resource-limited Japan.
- Does Japan have one of
the world’s leading urban mines? -
Japan is considered a country with poor resources, but the amount of rare metals buried in its urban mines is among the highest in the world. A large quantity of used home appliances and electronic devices containing rare metals are accumulated here. Recycling these can be more efficient in resource collection compared to natural mining, and it also contributes to energy saving and CO2 reduction.
- What is the actual status of
rare metal recycling? -
Despite the great potential of urban mines, the recovery rate of rare metals is very low, and recycling is not progressing sufficiently. This is because the collection, sorting, disassembly, and refining of parts containing rare metals require a lot of effort and cost. It is crucial for manufacturers and business operators involved with rare metals to collaborate and promote “recyclable manufacturing” that takes the processes of disassembly and refining into consideration.
