ree

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a set of 17 chemically similar elements comprising the 15 lanthanides from lanthanum to lutetium, plus scandium and yttrium. They share similar properties and are widely used in high-tech applications, yet are not uniformly rare in the Earth's crust; their dispersed occurrence and the difficulty of separating individual elements make mining and processing complex.

Most REEs occur together in mineral deposits such as bastnäsite and monazite. Extraction involves mining, milling, flotation, and sophisticated solvent-extraction steps to separate the individual elements. Global production has historically been dominated by China, which has provided a large portion of refined REEs, with notable contributions from Australia, the United States, Myanmar, and Russia. Supply can be influenced by geopolitics, trade policies, and market demand.

Applications for REEs are diverse. Neodymium and praseodymium are essential for high-strength permanent magnets used in wind turbines and electric vehicles; dysprosium and terbium enhance magnet performance at high temperatures. Cerium, europium, and terbium serve as phosphors in lighting and displays. Other REEs are used in catalysts, glass making, ceramics, polishing compounds, and various electronic components.

Environmental and regulatory concerns accompany REE production. Ore processing can generate significant waste, require large amounts of energy and water, and, in some minerals, involve radioactive elements. There are ongoing efforts to improve processing efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and diversify supply chains.

Market and research outlook emphasize resilience through exploration of new deposits, improvements in recycling from end-of-life products, and substitution where feasible. Recycling of REEs is expanding but still accounts for a minority of overall demand.