What are rare earth elements and why are they important?
Reuters · Just In
Reuters
Just In
So-called rare earth elements refer to 17 chemically-similar, silvery-white elements that are used to make magnets – which in turn power motion for electric vehicles, cell phones, missile systems and other electronics. But how critical are they, and are they actually rare?
Breakdown
- 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
See The Full Story
Global Tariffs
Donald Trump has signed an order to impose tariffs imports into the U.S. from countries including China, Mexico and Canada.