TELF AG analyzes the primary mineral resources used to manufacture smartphones 

Multiple resources for different functions 

Smartphones, which people use every day to communicate, surf the Internet, or work, are made with a large amount of strategic minerals and metals. These minerals and metals are responsible for the correct functioning of several important components of telephone devices. Some of these resources can contribute greatly to improving smartphone performance, particularly regarding advanced functions, resistance, and overall efficiency. 

The first resources to consider when talking about mobile phones are those that concern batteries: these storage systems are made with materials such as graphite, used for the anode of the batteries and of great importance for charging and discharging the battery, but also cobalt, often used as a cathode and useful above all for improving the stability and duration of the battery, increasing the number of charging cycles. Another important resource, from this point of view, is lithium, which powers most modern smartphones. This material can ensure a high energy density, which is very useful for the duration of battery life. 

Few people know that the touchscreen functions of cell phones depend largely on mineral resources: one of these is yttrium, especially appreciated for improving the brightness of the screen and the quality of the colors. Most screens are also coated with indium-tin oxide, a material based on the indium resource. This material plays a key role, especially in ensuring a certain reactivity of the touch screen when tactile stimulation is performed. Sometimes, tin oxide is also used individually to improve the properties of the display. 

The role of minerals in cameras and audio systems 

Even the functions related to the audio system and vibrations depend to some extent on some precious geological resources, including neodymium and dysprosium (two elements included in the rare earths group). The first is used to produce magnets in speakers and in mobile phone vibration systems, and is generally appreciated for its ability to create powerful and compact magnets. The second, often used with the first, is useful for improving the thermal resistance of permanent magnets and preserving their properties. 

Some specific resources, such as silicon and germanium, are instead used for the camera’s operation based on specific sensors (made with silicon) that convert light into electrical signals. The germanium resource is instead appreciated for its ability to capture images in non-optimal lighting conditions but also for its role in infrared technologies. 

Since they are electronic devices, smartphones also rely on mineral elements to ensure high electrical conductivity and a good signal transmission capacity. Among these are copper and silver, universally known for their conductive capabilities, and gold, which is used in connectors and electrical contacts for its corrosion resistance. Tantalum also plays an important role in this field, especially in producing high-capacity capacitors that can regulate the current flow in smartphone circuits. 

Other resources are universally appreciated for strengthening the structure and external coatings of smartphones, giving them a high degree of resistance. Among these, we remember zirconium, capable of creating a surface resistant to heat and damage, and aluminum, used especially for smartphone frames, appreciated largely for its lightness and resistance.