LeadStory

What are rare earths?

Asked 19 hours ago

Answer

Rare earths are a group of 17 chemically similar elements, primarily the lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium, essential for modern technologies. They are not truly rare but are difficult to extract and refine. Used in electronics, renewable energy, and military equipment, rare earths are vital for making strong magnets, LED lights, and more.

Now Playing

Reuters

What are rare earth elements and why are they important?

Reuters · Recent
Reuters
Reuters
Recent
  • Rare earth elements are used in a wide range of technologies, including cell phones, medical devices, wind turbines, and weapons.
  • The term refers to 17 chemically similar elements, mainly in the lanthanide series, with notable historical discoveries and uses. 15s
  • China currently dominates rare earth production and processing, though this was not always the case historically. 1m 6s
  • Rare earths are crucial for military technology and the energy transition, especially for producing strong magnets in electric vehicles and wind turbines. 1m 51s
  • Despite their name, rare earth elements are not actually rare but are difficult to extract and refine due to environmental and technical challenges. 3m 14s
International PoliticsMining & ResourcesEconomy

References

What are rare earth elements and why are they important?
Icon
Reuters
20 hours ago
What are rare earth elements and why are they important?

The term rare earth elements refers to 17 chemically similar elements within the lanthanide series, specifically elements 57 to 71, plus scandium and yttrium.

What are rare earth elements and why are they important?
Icon
Reuters
20 hours ago
What are rare earth elements and why are they important?

Rare earths are found all over the world and are not actually rare in terms of deposits, but are often found in small quantities and mixed with other minerals, making extraction and refinement difficult.

Why China’s rare earth export control is key in U.S. trade tensions
Icon
Al Jazeera
1 day ago
Why China’s rare earth export control is key in U.S. trade tensions

Rare earths are a core component of LED lights and many everyday electrical appliances, and China has dominated the global supply since the 1990s.

Beijing restricts rare earths critical for U.S. tech
Icon
Al Jazeera
6 days ago
Beijing restricts rare earths critical for U.S. tech

They are called rare earths, plural, because there's 17 minerals. They aren't very rare, though. They are more abundant than gold, but much harder to mine.

What Are People Asking?