Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future

3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars | 32 ratings

Price: 15.75

Last update: 02-03-2025


About this item

The powerful ways the metals we need to fuel technology and energy are spawning environmental havoc, political upheaval, and rising violence—and how we can do better.

An Australian millionaire’s plan to mine the ocean floor. Nigerian garbage pickers risking their lives to salvage e-waste. A Bill Gates-backed entrepreneur harnessing AI to find metals in the Arctic.

These people and millions more are part of the intensifying competition to find and extract the minerals essential for two crucial technologies: the internet and renewable energy. In Power Metal, Vince Beiser explores the Achilles’ heel of “green power” and digital technology–that manufacturing computers, cell phones, electric cars, and other technologies demand skyrocketing amounts of lithium, copper, cobalt, and other materials. Around the world, businesses and governments are scrambling for new places and new ways to get those metals, at enormous cost to people and the planet.

Beiser crisscrossed the world to talk to the people involved and report on the damage this race is inflicting, the ways it could get worse, and how we can minimize the damage. Power Metal is a compelling glimpse into this disturbing yet potentially promising new world.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Bernard . Pucker
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Way Forward
    Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
    Excellent presentation of the many demands that the digital and electronic progress have already made upon our planet and its inhabitants. Clearly presented a plethora of details that describe our great challenges. Meticulous exploration of many sites and businesses as each has a piece of the pie that may diminish or save our world. The story told with integrity and clarity that provides with possibilities to mitigate and alleviate the immense problems. Would recommend strongly to all.
  • Thomas Gray
    2.0 out of 5 stars An environmentalist pretends to tell the whole story
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2025
    The book portends to tell about mining of rare earths but ends up saving the planet by getting rid of cars and having everyone ride bicycles. Maybe great in theory but not realistic. I thought there would be more info on mining, not just about how the mines pollute the landscape and subjugate the miners.
  • Steven
    5.0 out of 5 stars An important book for all to read
    Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2024
    Fantastic !
  • Bcstractor
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not great
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
    Full of anecdotes and scare stories with some airy fairy suggestions for the future. Does a poor job of comparing to the sins and massive pollution of the fossil fuel industries.
  • K. Shilling
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling and Informative!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024
    The transition to the green economy/economy of the future doesn't instinctively seem like a fun (or engaging) read, but Beiser's combination of top-notch research, action-packed reporting, thoughtful analysis, and unexpected perspectives make this a compelling and informative read. From Chile to Lagos to Vancouver, he asks the reader to move beyond knee-jerk simple solutions to the true complexity of the modern electro-digital era. Definitely a must-read for those interested in energy, climate change, and jsut generally how we live in the world.
  • Neil
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Fantastic Deep Dive into an Unknown Interesting Topic from Vince Beiser
    Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024
    The author has an incredible knack for finding topics that are hidden in plain sight, going deep on them, and making them meaningful to everyone. Power Metal is a fantastic follow to World in a Grain. You won’t want to miss this one.
  • Abbie Kamin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, interesting, utterly relevant.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024
    Beiser has done it again with his latest book. Power metal is a great read that is interesting, digestible, and utterly relevant. Provides a critical to understanding where we’re headed in this next generation of climate, energy, technology, and global markets.

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