We need more and more metals. At the start of the 19th century, our societies used only a few metals (iron, copper, zinc, lead, etc.), but today almost all of the elements of the Mendeleïev table is found in various physico-chemical forms in our daily lives (nickel sulphates, rare earth oxides, aluminium, etc.).

All the technologies at the center of our economies are metal-intensive. Such is the case for energy transition technologies (solar, photovoltaic), electric mobility technologies (batteries, hydrogen fuel cells) and digital technologies (optical fibres, electronic devices). Industrial glass, which is used in some of these technologies, is also affected by these metal consumption needs: Si, B, Li, Ti, etc.

The growing demand for metals is coming up against an increasingly limited supply, particularly for European consumers. European countries have limited mining production or processing plants on their territory, and are therefore dependent on other countries for their supplies. Global geopolitics are tending to crystallise now, making supplies less and less secure.

At the same time, the mining sector is facing increasing opposition because of the significant environmental and social impacts still being generated at many production sites around the world. The challenge for the sector is dual: to meet rising demand while producing responsibly. To produce in a responsible way, it will be necessary to limit greenhouse gas emissions, control water consumption and integrate site restoration into the project design phases.

This talk will address all these aspects, to ensure that the industrial glass sector can be supplied safely and responsibly.