Estimates of Te and In prices from direct mining of known ores

Abstract

Previous estimates of Te and In availability for large scale use in photovoltaics have been based on considerations such as present refining capacities or on reserves calculated from the concentration of these metals in their respective Cu and Zn primary ores. The present work considers the pricing required to support direct mining of these scarce metals from ores of presently known quality. By deriving a general relationship between the market price of metals and the quality of ores from which they are mined, estimates of the market price of Te and In if mined from available ores are obtained. This allows specification of ore grades required for economic photovoltaic exploitation. Known ore deposits meeting requirements are also surveyed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.