Indium
Element: Indium (In)
Where’s it mined: Approximately 50% of all indium is mined in China; and the remainder in Japan, Canada, Peru, South Korea and Belgium.
Where is it mainly manufactured? Because of its use in electronics, indium is widely used in manufacturing in China and then exported.
What’s it mainly used for: Most indium is used to make indium tin oxide, and is used in flat screen TV’s, touchscreens and solar panels. 70% of the world’s supply of lithium is used in LCD displays.
How much would you find in a laptop: Approximately 100 mg of indium is used in the average 14 inch laptop LCD screen.
How does the use of indium affect the environment? Most indium is obtained as a by-product zinc processing and is recovered from residues left from electrolytic refining of zinc. Unwanted by-products from zinc production include sodium oxide (corrosive and violent when exposed to water) and carbon monoxide (toxic to humans and animals as well as ozone-forming) and carbon dioxide.
How can we limit the impact on the environment? Maximising recycling rates can help reduce the need for mining, and so reduce the impact on the environment. This will become increasingly important as the demand for renewable energies (e.g. solar panels) increases.
It is also important that LCD displays are recycled carefully as they can contain other harmful elements such as mercury.
How is it recycled: Indium is often recycled via a process called “leaching” using ultrasonic waves; but other methods include dissolving it in hydrochloric acids and precipitation using Sodium Hydroxide.
When will we run out: Indium could run out in the next 100 years, if we do not re-use and recycle electronics and solar panels effectively. There is no known alternative that could be used as substitute for indium.
Where can you recycle it in Guernsey:
Home users and commercial companies can recycle any type of electrical waste with an LCD display – such as monitors, smart phones, tablets, laptops etc - via Galaxy CI. We will provide you with an Evidence Certificate confirming that the devices have been securely and sustainably recycled.
CRT Monitors (the really old fashioned TV’s) can be taken to Mayside Recycling.
Home users can also take their devices to the States of Guernsey Longue Hougue site free of charge.