Rather than it scaring the landscape in mining or releasing noxious gases in reducing it, it is the huge amounts of energy needed that harm the environment. Just think of all those hydrocarbons <img src="images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />.

My apologies for being dense, but does this answer the question about which useful substance is more harmful or wasteful or energy intensive to acquire and process?

Titanium is normally found partnered with some other element, so whenever you refine it there is a lot of leftovers. The most common refining process uses chlorine, magnesium, and lots and lots of electricity. Is it any worst than other materials, depends on the application. If you are using a high nickel alloy (for heat or corrosion resistance) and a titanium part lasts several times longer in use, then titanium has less of an environmental impact as well as being more economical.

And on a personal note, i would much rather have a set of lightweight titanium wrenches than a set of titanium golf clubs.

In conjunction with the warm weather equipment thread, there is one other desired quality that Ti tools have other than light weight. They don't rust when you sweat on them or when they sit next to a wet shirt/towel in your carry bag.

Having ruined more than one steel tool in that manner, there is an advantage to being rust proof. I noticed the other day that my Leatherman Squirt (which I keep on my keychain in my front pocket) is getting some rust in places, from sweat condensing on it. Time to oil the tools again...

Greg