These 17 elements are essential components in many high-tech devices we use daily
Essential for creating the powerful permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and hard disk drives.
Added to neodymium magnets to maintain their magnetic properties at high temperatures, crucial for electric vehicle motors.
Provides the red phosphor in LED displays and fluorescent lighting, enabling vibrant color reproduction.
Rare earth elements are integral to countless technologies that define our modern world
From smartphones to laptops, rare earth elements are found in displays, speakers, vibration motors, and rechargeable batteries. Neodymium magnets make possible the small yet powerful speakers in earbuds and smartphones.
Each wind turbine can contain up to 600kg of rare earth elements, primarily in their generators. They're also crucial in photovoltaic cells and energy storage systems.
Each electric vehicle uses approximately 1kg of neodymium and smaller amounts of dysprosium, praseodymium, and terbium in their motors and battery systems.
MRI machines rely on rare earth magnets, while compounds like gadolinium are used as contrast agents in medical imaging. Rare earths are also found in surgical tools and laser technologies.
The growing importance of rare earth elements in global technology and economy
Metric tons of rare earths produced globally each year
Annual growth rate in rare earth demand (2020-2025)
Projected global market size by 2030
Of rare earth usage goes to clean energy technologies
Perspectives from leading researchers and industry professionals
Materials Scientist
"The development of alternative materials that can reduce our dependence on the most critical rare earths is progressing, but complete substitution remains challenging. For the foreseeable future, rare earths will remain essential to high-performance technology."
Sustainable Mining Expert
"We're seeing significant advances in more environmentally responsible rare earth extraction and processing. The industry is moving toward methods that reduce chemical usage and energy consumption while improving recovery rates."
Tech Innovation Researcher
"The next generation of quantum computing and advanced communications will likely increase demand for specific rare earths. Countries investing in technological sovereignty are increasingly focused on securing reliable supply chains for these critical elements."
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