raskemetalle

Raskemetalle, commonly referred to as rare metals, is a term used to describe a group of metals that are scarce in the Earth's crust, require specialized extraction, or play a critical role in high-technology applications. The category typically includes rare earth elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and europium; as well as other high-demand metals like niobium, tantalum, tungsten, hafnium, scandium, germanium, cobalt, nickel, and the platinum-group metals. While not all are scarce in the same sense, their supply is often concentrated in a small number of countries or controlled by a limited set of mining operations, and price volatility can be high due to demand, geopolitics, and supply disruptions.

Raskemetalle have key uses in electronics, renewable energy, and manufacturing: magnets for electric motors and wind turbines (for example NdFeB magnets), catalysts, battery chemistries, optics, and high-temperature alloys. Rare earths enable compact, strong magnets and efficient phosphors, while tungsten and niobium contribute to reliable, durable infrastructure.

Extraction and processing pose environmental and social challenges, including energy-intensive mining, ore variability, and potential pollution. Recycling and secondary production are increasingly important to reduce dependence on primary sources. Policymakers and industry groups monitor supply risk, stockpiling, and substitution strategies to ensure secure access for critical technologies.

This topic intersects with trade, geology, and environmental policy, and remains subject to change as new deposits are discovered and technologies evolve.