If Americans get around to worrying less and rope the moon, we’ll need it.
Metals and minerals are being used up.
Antimony, 15 – 20 years.
Hafnium, 10 years.
Indium, 5 – 10 years.
Platinum, 15 years.
Silver, 15 – 20 years.
Tantalum, 20 – 30 years.
Uranium, 30 – 40 years.
Zinc, 20 – 30 years.
Years Remaining:
|
|
Years |
Tons |
Uses |
|
Germanium |
5 |
500,000 |
semiconductors, solar-cells |
|
Indium |
13 |
6,000 |
solar-cells and monitors |
|
Arsenic |
20 |
1,000,000 |
semiconductors, solar-cells |
|
Hafnium |
20 |
1,124 |
computer-chips, nuclear |
|
Silver |
29 |
569,000 |
jewelery, industrial-catalysts |
|
Antimony |
30 |
3,860,000 |
pharmaceuticals and catalysts |
|
Tin |
40 |
11,200,000 |
cans, solder |
|
Lead |
42 |
1,440,000 |
pipes and lead-acid batteries |
|
Gold |
45 |
89,700 |
jewelry, electronics |
|
Zinc |
46 |
460,000,000 |
galvanizing |
|
Uranium |
59 |
3,300,000 |
nuclear power and weapons |
|
Copper |
61 |
9,037,000 |
wires, coins, plumbing |
|
Thallium |
65 |
650, 000 |
superconductors, reagents |
|
Cadmium |
70 |
1,600,000 |
batteries |
|
Nickel |
90 |
1,430,000 |
batteries, turbine-blades |
|
Tantalum |
116 |
153, 000 |
cell-phones, camera-lenses |
|
Selenium |
120 |
170,000 |
semiconductors, solar-cells |
|
Chromium |
143 |
7,790,000 |
chrome plating |
|
Phosphorus |
345 |
49,750,000 |
fertilizer, animal feed |
|
Platinum |
360 |
79,840 |
jewelery, fuel, pollution |
|
Aluminum |
1027 |
32,350,000 |
transport, electrical, consumer |