The problem is that we NIMBY so many things to conflict areas rather than mining in a place where environmental controls and effects on liberty can be enforced, at least a little; looking at you US and UK. Like rare earth metals for motors there is really no good replacement for tantalum caps. I just replaced the dried out electrolytic capacitors in an ultra portable Sony IC-1 shortwave set from the 1990s with Ta caps, I can probably expect 50 or more years out of the radio after the upgrade. I just wonder if there will be any analog shortwave transmissions by then. I did tap the IF for a DRM https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Radio_Mondiale but have not built a converter yet since there is so little available content.
Back on topic this Nokia 100 is an amazing backup with a prepaid sim when cycle touring. The 25 day standby time is an amazing companion to a smartphone, at that low consumption level occasional dynamo charging really makes sense.
