Modern society has become increasingly dependent on technology that relies on rare earths. Furthermore, these raw materials are essential building blocks for a society transitioning toward renewable energy and green solutions.
Author: Tor Espen Simonsen
Published: 14 Nov, 2023
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Updated: 28 Dec, 2023
Rare earths are utilized in the production of flat screens, smartphones, computers, electric cars, wind turbines, batteries, solar cells, LED lights, as well as weapons systems, jet engines, smart missiles, night vision technology, and stealth technology*.
In the coming years, a strong increase in demand is expected for rare earths. As the world's population continues to grow and significant transitions, such as the green and digital shift unfold, we anticipate a substantial increase in demand. Security policy tensions and military rearmament will also play a role in driving this trend.
The green transition* will result in a heightened demand for a specific group of metals and minerals. We are referring to raw materials that are 'absolutely indispensable in climate and environmentally friendly energy production, minerals used directly for environmental purposes, and substances that enable efficient technology production with minimal intervention and consumption, to borrow the terminology for NGU.
Elements and minerals that are essential for electrifying the industrial and transportation sectors are commonly referred to as 'green minerals.' These include copper, graphite, lithium, phosphate, titanium, olivine, and quartz (used in solar cell production), among others rare earth elements.
Slight variations in atomic structure among the various rare earth elements result in different optical, electrical, metallurgical, and magnetic properties. Consequently, these raw materials can find application in a wide array of industrial uses.
Their physical and chemical properties yield valuable effects even when they are combined in small quantities with other materials:
Neodymium: Magnets, lasers, military control mechanisms, catalytic converters for cars, petroleum refining, color in glass, hard drives in PCs, headphones, hybrid engines
Terbium: Permanent magnets, luminescent materials, lasers
Samarium: Magnets, permanent magnets, lasers, stealth technology, weapon guidance systems
Praseodymium: Magnets, glass dye, lasers
Gadolinium: Magnets, X-ray tubes, lasers, MRI contrast fluid
Dysprosium: Permanent magnets, hybrid motors, lasers
Europium: Color in TV and PC screens, energy-saving light bulbs, fluorescent materials
Scandium: Energy saving bulbs and light aluminum alloys
Yttrium: Red color in color displays, luminescent materials, metal alloys and microwave filters
Cerium: Metal alloys, automotive catalysts, petroleum refining, color in glass, polishing agent
The use of rare earths is currently experiencing the most rapid growth in sectors associated with the green transition, with the 'magnetic rare earths' commanding the highest market prices.
For example, this applies to neodymium, which enhances the strength and durability of magnets compared to traditional ferrite magnets. Neodymium magnets, often referred to as permanent magnets, are in high demand, particularly in modern electric cars and new wind turbines
The increased performance and improved durability of these magnets also make them ideal for use in small electronic components in IT technology. This has fueled decades of computer-driven innovation.
In addition to the fact that the mineral resources found in the Fen Complex are important components of green technology, they are also central to the production of large parts of NATO's defense material.
For example, it takes just under half a tonne (417 kilograms) of rare earths to make one F-35 aircraft, according to official figures from the Congressional Research Service in the USA.
A number of weapons and satellite systems would be more expensive, heavier and inferior without rare earths, according to airandspaceforces.com.
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