Rare Earth Elements (REEs) comprise 17 metallic elements, 15 lanthanides along with scandium and yttrium, that, despite their name, are not exceptionally rare in the Earth’s crust. However, their geological distribution is highly dispersed, and they seldom occur in concentrated, economically exploitable deposits.
This scarcity of viable ore bodies makes their extraction both technically demanding and environmentally taxing, often involving energy-intensive processes and generating significant waste, including low-level radioactive byproducts. As a result, even though REEs are relatively abundant in a global sense, the practical and sustainable sourcing of these materials remains a major industrial and ecological challenge.
REEs are indispensable to the functioning of modern technologies that define the 21st century.
Their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties are critical components in a wide array of applications: from the high-strength permanent magnets that drive electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators, to the phosphors that produce vivid colors in smartphone and television displays, to specialized alloys and catalysts used in defense systems, aerospace engineering, and advanced medical diagnostics.
Yet, the global supply chain for REEs is heavily concentrated, particularly in China, which dominates both mining and processing, creating significant geopolitical vulnerabilities. As nations race to secure clean energy futures and technological sovereignty, the strategic importance of REEs has intensified, prompting renewed efforts in recycling, alternative material research, and diversification of supply sources. Read more...
Investing in the Future: The Role of Rare Earths Elements #FrizeMedia https://buff.ly/uphbSkL
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