Question

The dwindling supplies of rare strategic metals such as indium, tantalum, and platinum may be extended if we rigorously ________.
A) relax environmental requirements for mining
B) increase demand for the products in which they are used
C) reduce demands for social and economic justice
D) recycle existing supplies
E) exploit known deposits more efficiently

Answer 1

Answer:

D) recycle existing supplies

Explanation:

Option A is incorrect. Relaxing environmental requirements for mining will only hasten depletion since the rate of mining will increase.

Option B is incorrect> Increasing the demand for products in which the metals are used will only put more pressure on the available deposits and hasten depletion.

Option C is incorrect. Reducing demands for social and economic justice will only increase the exploitation of the metals and deplete them quicker.

Option E is incorrect. Efficient exploitation will only quicken the depletion of deposits.

The correct option is D. Recycling the existing supply will significantly extend the deposits of these metals. Recycling means they are going to be re-using them and this will ease the pressure off the deposits of the metals.