STEP 2: Describe your substance's function.
STEP 3: Trace its supply chain-- and reference your answers.
If your substance is an ore:
1. In what countries is it mined?
2. Who owns the mines?
3. Exactly what work do miners do? How much do they earn? Do any children mine this ore? How does mining it impact miners' health?
4. How much water does rinsing the ore require? How does mining it impact the region's waterways, wildlife and farms?
5. How many smelters does this ore require to become usable in a smartphone? By what means (air, ship, truck, train) does it travel to refineries?
6. How much electricity does each smelter consume? What fuel(s) power the smelter? What toxins and emissions does it generate?
7. How/does smelting this ore impact the region's power grid?
8. Do any regulations protect miners, refinery workers, wildlife and public health near the mines and refineries?
9. In what year did mining this ore begin?
10. When will it be depleted?
11. Can this substance be recycled? How much energy, water and toxins are involved in recycling it?
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