The hidden underside of smartphones: a treasure trove of rare metals
October 1, 2024 - 5:00pm
Who would have thought that an object as small as a smartphone could conceal so many secrets? Beneath its elegant casing lies a treasure trove of rare metals, essential to its operation, but the extraction of which raises many questions.
A treasure trove of rare metals
Behind the touch screen and design of every smartphone lies a treasure trove of rare metals. These elements, which are essential to its operation, are extracted in often difficult conditions and have a considerable environmental impact. From cobalt for batteries to tantalum for capacitors and indium for touch screens, these metals are concentrated in small quantities in the earth's crust and extracting them requires complex and polluting mining techniques.
These techniques vary depending on the ore and its geographical location, but we can mention the following in particular:
Open-pit mining: This method involves digging holes in the ground to access deposits. It has consequences for the environment, as well as risks for workers' health.
Leaching: This technique involves using chemical solutions to dissolve the metal contained in the ore. The solutions used are acidic and can contaminate soil and groundwater.
Flotation: This method separates the ore particles containing the metal from the ore.
Availability issues
As well as the environmental impact, the extraction of these metals, which is often concentrated in a few regions of the world, also raises issues of long-term availability. The growing demand for smartphones, combined with the gradual depletion of some of these resources, could end up creating tension on the markets and threatening the future production of electronic devices.
A responsible daily gesture
By limiting the consumption of new metals and encouraging recycling, we are not only helping to reduce the environmental impact of the electronics industry, but also protecting against possible tensions in the supply chain.
To do this, every gesture counts. By choosing to repair rather than replace a faulty device, by recycling old smartphones properly and by informing those around you about the issues surrounding rare metals, everyone can help to reduce the pressure on natural resources and promote a circular economy.
To support its customers in this approach, Orange is offering the RE Program. There are several pillars to this program:
Trade-in: You can return your old smartphone to an Orange shop, whatever its brand or condition. Orange will assess it and offer you a voucher of up to €856 to use towards the purchase of a new phone or accessories.
Reconditioning: Orange Luxembourg now offers several types of reconditioned smartphones for sale, including the iPhone 13. This is an opportunity to acquire a quality device at a reduced cost while doing something for the planet.
Recycling: By returning devices that cannot be reconditioned, they are recycled in a responsible way, allowing us to recover raw materials and limit landfill waste.
Repairing: Getting your phone repaired is an environmentally friendly action that extends its lifespan. Whether it's a battery replacement or a cracked screen, every problem has a solution, and we are here to help you. Visit one of our stores to receive support from our advisors.
You can also opt for eco-designed products like the Fairphone 5. Made from recycled materials and very easily repairable thanks to its modular composition, this smartphone has a reduced ecological footprint and a logically longer than average lifespan.
When we look closer at smartphones, they reveal a complex reality marked by rare metals, the extraction of which has significant environmental consequences. However, concrete actions can be taken to mitigate this impact. By extending the lifespan of our devices, opting for recycling, and choosing refurbished models, each of us can play a role in preserving the environment and resources.
Together, let’s make responsible choices for a more environmentally friendly use of digital technology.