[10] Many advanced engineering applications, such as clean-energy production, communications and computing, use emergent technologies that utilize numerous chemical elements.
[11] In 2015, the European COST Action TD1407 created a network of scientists working and interested on TCEs, from an environmental perspective to potential human health threats.
[15] These elements are utilized in cellular phones, batteries, solar panel(s), electric motor(s), and fiber-optic cables.
Most notably, TCEs are used in the data networking of smart devices tied to the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation.
[16] The clearing of soil and deforestation that is involved with mining can impact the surrounding biodiversity through land degradation and habitat loss.