The Elements of Power

"A thought-provoking book that follows the trail of these elements [that] . . . are no less transformative—and are possibly just as valuable—as oil and coal."—The Economist

"In The Elements of Power, David Abraham attempts to peel back the screen on our devices and discover what’s behind."—Henry Sanderson, Financial Times

"[A] fascinating and important book."—Rupert Edis, Sunday Times

"Excellent . . . Anyone concerned about how we balance sustainability with a high-tech future should read this book."—Disruptive Discoveries Journal

Winner of the 2016 Excellence in Journalism Award given by the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation

"Abraham deftly explains why the age of technology is also the age of rare metals—and what that could mean for the world. This book lays the groundwork for an important discussion we need to have."—Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, and author of Every Nation for Itself

"For those of us who marvel at hybrid cars, smartphones, and wind turbines, but don’t really know where indium, europium, and tantalum come from, an uneasy feeling is beginning to gnaw. In this extraordinary book, Abraham shows that the countries that control rare metals will control the future. His exhaustive research and vivid explanations are alarming and compelling."—Robert C. (Bud) McFarlane, former National Security Advisor and cofounder of the United States Energy Security Council

"With intelligence and nuance, Abraham sounds the alarm and brings attention to a coming resource conundrum. We are entering an age when the need for mere grams of obscure-sounding metals will have vast geopolitical consequences."—James Stavridis, Dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and Supreme Allied Commander, NATO (2009 to 2013)

"Abraham unearths fascinating tales of a set of metals which may seem inconsequential, but underpin our lifestyles in ways few outside of scientific and select business circles understand."—Roderick G. Eggert, Colorado School of Mines and Critical Materials Institute

"In TheElements of Power, David Abraham explores a phenomena essential to our everyday lives and our future, but rarely studied or understood in the context of global policy or daily life. This is a book not just for specialists but also for those who are trying to chart a sustainable future for the world."—Christie Todd Whitman, 50th governor of New Jersey, former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency