The Briefing Room What are rare earths and why does everyone want them?
May 8, 2025
Henry Sanderson, an expert on green technology, and Ellie Saklatvala, the head of nonferrous metal pricing at Argus, dive into the world of rare earth minerals and critical technologies. They discuss how the U.S. seeks to secure access to Ukraine's resources amid geopolitical tensions. The conversation highlights China's dominance in this market and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. They explore investment trends, the significance of critical minerals in energy transition, and strategies for competing globally.
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What Are Rare Earths?
- Rare earths are 17 specific elements grouped on the periodic table, mainly lanthanides plus yttrium and scandium.
- They are crucial for strong magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics, military, glass, and ceramics.
Why Rare Earths Are ‘Rare’
- Rare earths are not actually rare in the Earth's crust but are difficult to extract and process.
- Critical minerals include about 50 minerals, with rare earths being a subset essential for economic and national security.
Where Rare Earths Are Found
- China dominates the rare earths market, supplementing its deposits by importing from Myanmar, Laos, and the US.
- Other key sources include Australia, Scandinavia, Brazil, North America, Central Africa, Indonesia, and Russia.