The environmental cost of technology   Dr Gary Robertshaw
Environmental cost of technologyComputers, tablets, mobile
devices and hybrid car batteries. They all contain rare earth
metals. By extension, everyday life in the Western world relies
on these rare earth metals. But why should this pose a concern
for the environment?   Well, there are substantial environmental
costs associated with the use of rare earth metals. In the first
place the metals have to be extracted by mining and then
purified. Mining can be a dirty business creating topsoil loss
and pollution of waterways, requiring road building
infrastructures and causing degradation of natural environments.
Often, miners have to work under dangerous conditions for
minimal pay with scant regard to health and safety.   Then there
is the disposal of technological machines and gadgets. Today,
people tend not to repair older electronic equipment. Instead
they discard it and buy the newest model. How many people keep
their current mobile phone more than a