The 17 rare earth elements include: lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), lutetium (Lu), scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y).
Scandium and yttrium do not belong to the lanthanide family, but end users include them because they occur in the same mineral deposits as lanthanides and have similar chemical properties.
The term “rare earth metals” is a misnomer because rare earth metals are actually abundant in the earth's crust. However, they are rarely found in large concentrated deposits by themselves, but rather among other elements.
Rare earths, how do they work?
Most rare earth elements are used as catalysts and magnets in traditional and low-carbon technologies. Other important applications of rare earth elements are the production of special metal alloys, glass, and high-performance electronics.
Neodymium (Nd) and samarium (Sm) alloys can be used to create powerful magnets that withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for a wide range of mission-critical electronic and defense applications.
Final consumption accounts for % of demand:
• Magnets 38%
• Catalysts 23%
• Glass polishing powders and additives 13%
• Metallurgy and alloys 8%
• Battery alloys 9%
• Ceramics, pigments and glazes 5%
• Phosphors 3%
Hybrid and electric car engines, generators in wind turbines, hard drives, portable electronics, and cell phones require such magnets and elements. This role in technology makes their extraction and improvement a matter of concern for many countries.
For example, 171 kg of rare earths are required to generate one megawatt of wind energy, about 427 kg of rare earths are required for one F-35 fighter jet, and a Virginia-class nuclear submarine.&It takes almost 4.2 tons.
