Rare earths

Rare earths are chemical elements that are of great importance to industry, especially for high-tech applications. Although the name indicates rarity, they are in fact widely distributed in the earth's crust, but are often difficult to access. Mining and processing are complex and associated with environmental impacts. The Table.Briefings editorial team informs you here about rare earths and their importance in technology as well as their global availability and their role for investors. What are rare earths? Rare earths consist of a group of 17 elements, including lanthanides, scandium and yttrium. Their unique magnetic, electronic and chemical properties make them indispensable for a wide range of applications, from smartphones to wind turbines and electric cars. Rare earths: List of elements The following elements belong to the group of rare earth elements: Each of these elements has specific applications in different industries. Neodymium and dysprosium, for example, are crucial for the production of strong magnets in electric motors and wind turbines. Rare earths: Deposits worldwide The deposits of rare earths worldwide are concentrated in just a few countries. China dominates the market as it has the largest reserves and capacities for processing rare earths. Countries such as the USA, Australia and Brazil also have significant deposits, but are well behind China in terms of production. Rare earths are currently being sought intensively in Europe, but deposits and production capacities here are still limited. Does Germany have rare earths? Germany itself has no significant deposits of rare earths. The country is heavily dependent on imports of these raw materials, particularly from China. Due to its dependence on imports, Germany is conducting intensive research into recycling methods and alternatives to rare earths in order to increase security of supply. What does 1 kg of rare earths cost? The price of 1 kg of rare earths varies greatly depending on the element and degree of purity. In general, elements such as neodymium and dysprosium are among the most expensive. The price for 1 kg of neodymium is currently around 150 to EUR 200, while dysprosium is traded at over EUR 300 per kg. However, these prices can fluctuate depending on supply, demand and geopolitical developments. Which rare earths are in cell phones? Modern smartphones contain numerous rare earths that are used in various components. The most important ones are: These rare earths ensure that smartphones are powerful and compact, while providing advanced features such as high-quality screens and powerful speakers. How to invest in rare earths? There are several options available for investors looking to invest in rare earths: Are rare earths valuable? Rare earths are valuable, especially due to their strategic importance for high-tech industries. Their demand is constantly growing, especially in the production of electric vehicles, renewable energies and modern communication devices. The combination of high demand and limited supply makes them a valuable resource on global markets. Which companies mine rare earths? Some of the leading companies that mine rare earths are: These companies are crucial to the global supply of rare earths and benefit from the increasing demand. How long can rare earths continue to be used as a resource? The availability of rare earths is difficult to predict, as it depends heavily on how efficiently these raw materials are used and recycled in the future. Rare earth deposits could last for several more decades, but demand is expected to increase further due to the expansion of electromobility and renewable energies. Intensive research is therefore being carried out into alternative materials and more efficient mining methods. What are the arguments against rare earths? Rare earths are essential for modern technologies such as smartphones, wind turbines and electric cars, but their extraction and processing pose considerable environmental and social challenges. Rare earths and their exploitation are often associated with massive environmental impacts, as their extraction requires complex chemical processes that can pollute the soil, air and water. The exploitation of these resources is particularly problematic in countries with low levels of environmental protection, as it can lead to land degradation, water scarcity and health risks for the local population. The industry's dependence on these raw materials also highlights the need for more sustainable approaches to the extraction and use of rare earths. Rare earths are indispensable raw materials for many modern technologies and play a key role in the global economy. Although they are found in many countries, China dominates production and processing, increasing international dependence. They offer interesting opportunities for investors, but the market is heavily dependent on geopolitical and economic factors. Given their central role in future technologies, they remain a valuable and contested commodity.