Japan has huge 'urban mines' of recyclable metals : report

Japan has accumulations of recyclable metals, such as gold and indium, equivalent to the reserves of some of the world's most resource-rich countries, according to a report by the National Institute for Materials Science. Japan has 6,800 tons of gold, equal to 16% of the world's reserves, and 60,000 tons of silver, accounting for 22% of world deposits, said the Ibaraki prefecture-based institute in its report dated 11 Jan 2008. They are locked up in so-called urban mines of discarded and in-use mobile phones, home appliances and batteries.

High-quality metals from recycled sources can be used and exported just as raw minerals gathered from mining, the report said. In terms of world deposits, Japan also has 61% of indium, a metallic element used in the production of mirrors and transistors, as well 11% of tin and 10% of tantalum. Tantalum's applications range from light-bulb filaments to nuclear-reactor parts and surgical instruments.

- This is becoming an emerging trend of recognizing the world's garbage dumps as rich resources of metals and minerals. There is a big potential for recycling there. What is required is lots of effort - and lots of energy.

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