Rare earth elements are used in everything from our mobile phones to our electric vehicles, from solar panels and semiconductors to missile technology too. But what exactly are rare earth elements and why does China seem to have a monopoly over its supply chain?
What are Rare Earth Elements?
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metals that include 15 lanthanides on the periodic table plus scandium and yttrium. Despite their name, these elements are not actually rare; they are fairly common in the Earth’s crust but are hard to find in concentrated, mineable forms. The term ‘rare’ comes from their 18th-century discovery in unusual minerals. OYO99
‘Vitamins of Industry’
These metals are called the ‘vitamins of industry’ because even in small amounts they make products stronger, faster, or more efficient. They’re used in smartphones, laptops, speakers, and medical devices, as well as electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, solar panels, and advanced military technology like lasers, radar, and https://lms.ise.edu.eg/ missile guidance systems. In particular, neodymium and praseodymium are vital for producing powerful magnets used in EV motors and renewable energy systems.
How are Rare Earth Elements processed?
Producing rare earths involves several complex and polluting steps.
– Mining: The ores are extracted through open-pit or underground mines.
– Radioactivity Removal: Some ores contain radioactive elements like thorium or uranium, which must be safely separated.
– Separation: The hardest stage: isolating each rare earth through solvent or ion-exchange methods that create toxic waste.
– Metal & Alloy Production: The purified oxides are turned into metals via electrolysis and then alloyed with iron or boron.
– Magnet Manufacturing: Final magnets are formed through fine milling, pressing, and sintering.https://adspc.ad.gov.ng/
Where does China fit into this jigsaw?
China dominates the rare earth market, producing about 60% of global supply and controlling nearly 90% of processing and magnet production. Its low costs, advanced facilities, and looser environmental rules have made it the world’s key supplier. Other countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, are trying to rebuild domestic industries, but projects often struggle because new mines drive prices down and make profits uncertain.
How rare earth elements are dominating strategic talks too
Rare earths are now seen as a critical resource for national security and energy independence. The U.S. and allies view China’s dominance as a potential risk, especially since these metals power everything from renewable energy to advanced weapons. Efforts are underway worldwide to diversify supply chains, but for now, China’s lead gives it a powerful position in the global tech and defence economy.