Rare earth. Contested raw materials of the high-tech age

The book ''Rare Earths'' deals with a group of 17 elements that have repeatedly dominated the headlines in the last two decades because they are indispensable not only for the digital world, for smartphones and computers, but also for the energy revolution or electromobility - quite apart from their importance for military technology. In the public debate so far, the technical and economic aspects have been at the forefront. In contrast, this book also reveals the ecological and political conflicts that are no longer visible in the end product. At the same time, perspectives for a more sustainable use of these important substances and the search for equivalent alternatives (substitution) are presented.