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Thursday, May 23, 2019

Global reserves of indium are running out


An Indium produced in industry comes as the by-product of smelting zinc and lead sulphide ores, some of which can contain 1% indium. Specimens of uncombed indium metal have been found in a region of Russia and an indium mineral, indie, has been found in Siberia, but it is rare. The present cost of indium is about $1 to $5/g, depending on quantity and purity. Indium is a rare, soft and malleable post-transition metal, found primarily in zinc ore.


It is mined almost exclusively in Canada, China, the US and Russia. Indium is used in various electronic applications such as LCDs and touchscreens, solar cells, LEDs and various batteries. It is also useful in making alloys, medical imaging, and in the control rods of nuclear reactors. Its role in electronic screens drives most of the production demand, which by now has resulted in global reserves being almost completely exhausted. 


Recycling is one option being pursued to solve this problem, but it will only suffice in the short term. Fortunately, new alternative materials are being introduced, derived from carbon nanotube compounds that can take on the role previously filled by indium. Indium does not react with carbon, silicon, or boron, and the corresponding carbide, silicide, and boride are not known. No reaction takes place between hydrogen and indium, but indium (III) and indium (I) hydrates can be formed. It dissolvers in acids and is stable in water and air.

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