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Daily Archives: April 10, 2015

Report – Recovery of Rare Earths from Electronic Wastes

This document was prepared on behalf of [European Parliament] Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. It reviews the current level of technology development for the recovery of rare earths from electronic waste and examines the parameters that affect its development at the industrial scale and the opportunities arising for high tech SMEs. It also reviews the existing policy framework and provides a set of recommendations for improved implementation of existing actions and new policy measures.” February 2015.

“Background – Critical raw materials, such as rare earths, have a high economic importance for the EU, combined with a high risk associated with their supply. It is expected that in the coming years, demand for rare earths will grow as consumer preferences shift towards hi-tech and green products. Therefore, the recovery of the RE elements from electronics scrap is extremely important for both economic and environmental reasons.
Scope of the Study –  The objective of the study is to describe the potential of innovative technologies for recovery of rare earths from electronic waste and to evaluate how they could be implemented in industry, in particular in hi tech SMEs.
Main findings – Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical due to their importance in a number of applications, including a number of green technologies, but, primarily, because of the high supply risks arising from the dependence on a single source (China).
At a global level, the demand for rare earth oxides in 2008 was estimated at around 120000 tonnes, expected to increase up to around 170000–200000 tonnes in 2014. The EU is a net importer of REEs and accounted for less than 8% of the total in 2012 However, most REEs that enter the EU are already embodied in components manufactured outside the EU. Since the 1990s China has been producing roughly 90% of the world’s supply of REEs, exceeding 95% in 2011. The increase in the price of REEs during the period 2009- 2011 following China’s decision to tighten its export quotas increased interest in REEs and led to new mining projects outside of China, research into the substitution and recycling of REEs and related policy initiatives. Prices for many REEs have dropped significantly since 2013 as a result of decreased demand following the financial crisis but also the opening of a few new mines outside China and efforts to substitute rare earths. Still, prices for some REEs are 2-3 times higher than the 2009 levels.”

Net Neutrality: Selected Legal Issues Raised by the FCC’s 2015 Open Internet Order

CRS – Net Neutrality: Selected Legal Issues Raised by the FCC’s 2015 Open Internet Order, Kathleen Ann Ruane, Legislative Attorney. April 6, 2015. “In February 2015, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an order that will impose rules governing the management of Internet traffic as it passes over broadband Internet access services (BIAS), whether those… Continue Reading

True Levels of Government and Social Expenditures in Advanced Economies

Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economic: “One of the most contentious issues in contemporary politics revolves around the optimal size of the government in society, the services that government provides the public, and the revenue raised to finance these services. Advanced economies differ over the aggregate scope of general… Continue Reading

World Economic Forum – New Vision for Education

New Vision for Education – Unlocking the Potential of Technology – “To thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-mediated world, students must not only possess strong skills in areas such as language arts, mathematics and science, but they must also be adept at skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, persistence, collaboration and curiosity. All too often,… Continue Reading

Social Media in the House of Representatives: Frequently Asked Questions

CRS – Social Media in the House of Representatives: Frequently Asked Questions – Jacob R. Straus, Analyst on the Congress; Matthew E. Glassman, Analyst on the Congress. April 2, 2015. “Recently, the number of Member offices adopting social media as an official communications tool has increased. With the increased use of social media accounts for… Continue Reading

Boing Boing’s Doctorow leads campaign to ban digital locks on ebooks, music

James Bridle – UK Guardian: “In my last column I wrote about Tesco’s graceful exit from the ebook business, offloading its customers – and their precious libraries – to Kobo. While applauding the commitment to preserving customers’ purchases, it remains a shame that this sort of transfer is even necessary. Storing books – or anything… Continue Reading