The thermodynamic rarity concept: A systematic review

The concept of thermodynamic rarity allows the assessment of the exergy needed to extract metals from common ores considering that mineral reserves have a significant exergy value. Estimates show that the reserves of some rare minerals may be exhausted in the next decades; this will cause a severe abiotic depletion that will make the production of certain commodities unfeasible and result in supply risks. This work presents the main scientific...