Planetary Boundaries at Risk: The Unseen Cost of Critical Metals
Water Scarcity Threatens Future Production of Critical Geological Resources
A recent study reveals that regional water scarcity significantly limits the current and future production of 32 key geological resources. Critical metals and minerals are essential for technological advancements, particularly in renewable energy and energy storage, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, growing global demand and resource-intensive extraction processes, which require substantial energy and water, raise concerns about sustainability. With geological resource production contributing to 10% of global carbon emissions and 24% of water demand exceeding sustainable limits, water scarcity threatens the future supply of essential materials for green technologies. Yet, global assessments on sustainable water use in resource extraction remain limited.
Figure1. current geological resource production.
New Research on Water Constraints in Resource Extraction
A recent international study, led by Dr. Masaharu Motoshita from the Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability at Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, examined the role of water availability as a planetary boundary for geological resource production [1]. Figure1 shows current geological resource production.
Dr. Motoshita explains, “Our previous research demonstrated that major watersheds, which account for 80% of total water consumption, are experiencing severe overuse, surpassing their natural capacity.”
In this latest study, the team analyzed water consumption for the production of 32 key geological resources at approximately 3,300 mines worldwide. Their findings revealed that the production of 25 of these resources already exceeds sustainable water availability limits.
Regional Water Constraints and Their Effect on Resource Production
Although iron production consumes large amounts of water, only 9% exceeded regional water limits in 2010, whereas 37% of copper production surpassed sustainable levels despite lower water use. This highlights the need for better water management, especially for water-intensive metals. Resource constraints depend not just on total water use but also on regional availability, and relocating mining operations is often impractical [2]. Dr. Motoshita stresses that improving efficiency, recyclability, and alternative materials can help mitigate supply risks. The study urges a broader focus on environmental constraints to ensure sustainable resource extraction and support global clean energy goals.
Reference:
- https://scitechdaily.com/planetary-boundaries-in-peril-the-hidden-cost-of-critical-metals/
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh2458
Cite this article:
Keerthana S(2025),Planetary Boundaries at Risk: The Unseen Cost of Critical Metals, AnaTechmaz,pp.1108.