Mining
O A metal eight times rarer than gold. It became the focus of an industrial dispute because it came to be treated by the US government as one of the most important minerals for the economy and for the energy securityThe substance, whose name is linked to the Latin word for “Earth,” appears in very low concentrations, with reference to 0,00003 in one ton and, in rocks analyzed, an average of approximately three parts per billion.
The shift occurs because, in addition to the industrial uses already mentioned such as photocopiers, ceramic and glass coloring, and the manufacture of durable rubber, the A metal eight times rarer than gold. It became associated with the advancement of thin-film solar cells, particularly the technology of cadmium telluride, And materials for ultra-pure semiconductors.
In the survey presented, the element is described as non-metal, a group of seven elements with properties between those of metals and nonmetals.
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Rarity is treated as a central factor: the material is identified as one of the least common elements on Earth, with such a low presence that measurements become difficult.
The origin of this scarcity is attributed to the planet’s formation process: during the formation of a hot nebula, the element would have formed a volatile hydride, escaping as a gas, which would explain why there would be less of it on Earth than “anywhere else in space”.
The practical consequence is straightforward: the A metal eight times rarer than gold. It becomes a sought-after commodity not out of chemical curiosity, but because it is a sensitive input in the industrial supply chain.
The surge in interest is linked to the growth of thin-film solar cells.
The technology mentioned, based on cadmium telluride, is described as being able to offer fast generationHigh conversion rate, low temperature coefficient, and high stability.
The market for this segment is described as accelerating: the forecast mentioned is that the thin-film solar cell market… exceed US$10 billion by 2027, more than double the size recorded in 2021, when it would have been around US $ 4 billion.
In parallel, there are projections that the market for the material itself will grow. $315M monthly with compound annual rate of 9,84% between 2023 and 2028, driven by the popularity of clean energy.
There is also an industrial argument: cadmium telluride modules could be produced in less than 4,5 hours, issuing six times less carbon dioxide than silicon, with more than 90% Recyclable after decommissioning.
It is in this package that the A metal eight times rarer than gold. It is now being treated as a component of “energy security”.
The scenario described points to concentration: a report cited as having been published in early 2024 attributes this to China. about two-thirds of world production in 2023.
Numbers associated with 2022 also appear, with Japan cited as… 68 tonnes and Russia with 40 tonnes while global production would be higher than in 2016 by approximately 1,6 once.
Chinese leadership is explained by mineral infrastructure and mining capacity: Sichuan province is cited as home to the only registered independent primary deposit, and there is reference to… almost 14.000 tons of reserves scattered across 16 provinces.
At sea, the material is described as 50.000 times more concentrated on the ocean floor than on land, and a drilling vessel capable of operating the 33.000 feet It is mentioned as part of this progress.
In this context, the political issue becomes apparent: when one country concentrates the production of a resource considered important, the others become vulnerable.
The study describes that, in 2019 and 2021, 95% The metal used by the US was allegedly purchased from China at a time when the global solar energy market was growing and renewable electricity already accounted for a significant share of the American system.
The American reaction is tied to one place: Bingham Canyon, in the state of Utah, operated by Kennecott.
The mine is described as having been active since 1903, with a history of extracting more than 17 million tons coppermade.
Scale is treated as a differentiating factor: greater depth than 3.970 feet, width of 2,5 miles and a total area of approximately 1.900 acresin addition to being declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
The mining industry in Utah is considered a significant sector, with revenues of approximately… US $ 4 billion, with copper as its most valuable product.
Against this backdrop, the Rio Tinto conglomerate reportedly invested $1,9 billion to extend the operational lifespan until 2032, with plans to produce around 1 million tons of “pure” copper during that period.
The central change comes in 2022, when the operation would have started the extraction process of A metal eight times rarer than gold. associated with copper refining within the production chain itself.
The logic is clear: since much of the metal is described as a byproduct of copper deposits, the mine becomes a shortcut to reducing external dependence.
The plan presented connects mining, refining, and industry: the material would be refined in North America by a producer described as a global leader in specialty products, and delivered to consumers, with an emphasis on… First Solar, cited as the only American company among the top 10 solar panel manufacturers.
There are figures to consider: the country would receive approximately 20 tons per year, with an indicated value of $2,9M monthly…and some of the metal would also be destined for ultra-pure semiconductor materials in a factory in… St. George, Utah.
The study notes that previous production in the US was done in a facility in Amarillo, Texas, which sent copper sludge and oxygen to Mexico to extract the metal, reinforcing the narrative of external dependence even when there was domestic activity.
Em April 2023The company is cited as estimating that the operation would become… sixth largest producer of the world, covering approximately 3% of the global supply.
The calculation gains weight when the market is described as small: in 2021, would have been produced 580 tonnes globally, this translates 20 tons into a significant volume for the US strategy with the A metal eight times rarer than gold..
The economic impact is evident in projections linked to the solar panel supply chain: up to 2026The production of these panels could bring over US$10 billion for the American economy and US $ 2,78 billion in labor income, with reference to approximately 30.000 jobs which would be created by First Solar by 2026.
From a public policy standpoint, there is mention of a plan to $20M monthly from the Department of Energy for studies related to solar cells and materials, with objectives such as developing prototypes, reducing costs, decreasing emissions, and increasing efficiency and lifespan.
Price also comes into play as a barometer: in 2022, the quoted cost was US$ 70, is at 2023 it would have gone up to US$ 80.
In the context of solar expansion, the cited report indicates that the manufacturing capacity of modules in the US exceeds 26 GW per yearand that in 2023 the country added more than 40 GW new solar capacity.
The role of solar energy is described as 64% of all new capacity in the system, with sufficient annual generation to supply more than 37 million homesWhile Texas and Florida would lead in installed capacity, California would register a decline due to a combination of factors.
The plot concludes with a two-pronged move: increasing the domestic supply of A metal eight times rarer than gold. and, at the same time, expand the industrial capacity that consumes this input, especially in thin-film solar panels and semiconductors.
If domestic production grows and sustains supply, external dependence can fall consistently, in a sector where supply chain disruptions are treated as a strategic risk.
To follow this topic without noise, it’s worth monitoring three practical points throughout 2026: effective annual production volume, industrial destination of refined tons e rate of expansion of solar capacity and semiconductors which depends on this input.
Do you think the strategy of A metal eight times rarer than gold. Will this truly reduce US vulnerability, or will the global supply chain simply shift bottlenecks and create a different kind of dependency?
I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I provide daily updates on opportunities in the Brazilian market. I have published over 7.000 articles on the websites CPG, Naval Porto Estaleiro, Mineração Brasil and Obras Construção Civil. Any suggestions for topics? Send them to brunotelesredator@gmail.com
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