Why are Rare Earth Elements Strategically Important?

The properties and features of metals containing rare earth elements (REE) are diverse. High-tech and environmentally friendly applications, like electric vehicles, are increasingly turning to these materials. These elements are not rare in quantity, rather the complexity of the  extraction process in the 18th century is what makes them rare. The Earth’s crust contains them equally as well. For example, Cerium is a rare metal compared to copper and lead, which are more commonly found. Though this extraction issue was solved in the 20th century, the old name stuck. 

What Exactly are Rare Earth Elements?

There is a group of 17 elements with distinctive electrical, magnetic and luminescent properties in the periodic table called the Rare Earth Elements. Yttrium and the 15 lanthanide elements make up this group. Scandium is the other Rare Earth Element found in a wide variety of rare earth mineral forms. According to the International Union for Pure, Applied Chemistry, scandium is a rare earth element.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the term “rare earth” was used to designate the oxides of “rare minerals.” which also showed the magnetic and luminescent properties. Their oxide forms could not be broken until the turn of the twentieth century due to technological limitations. It is not necessary to further treat minerals that contain traces of these metals. 

The Significance of Rare Earth Elements

Due to their unique electrical and magnetic properties and their use in cutting-edge technology, metals play an important role in every country’s strategic gameplan. The elements are used in various ways from car alternators, lighter flints, etc., to fibre-optic cables, lasers, magnets, etc.

Even in the far future, the use of REMs (Rare Earth Metals) will be significant. High-temperature superconductivity, post-hydrocarbon hydrogen transport and storage, global warming, efficient and relaible green energy are among a few examples of use cases. 

REMs are becoming increasingly significant in high-tech, environmental protection, and economic growth domains. The utilisation of cutting-edge technology is a crucial part of today’s opportunities for growth. It covers everything from personal computers and electronics to alternative forms of energy to transportation to health care. Because of their special type of magnetic and luminous properties, these materials hold the potential to advance technology by making them lighter, cleaner, and more energy efficient.

Use Cases of Rare Earth Elements

• Vehicles, consumer electronics, lighting, and catalysts will all see a surge in demand during the next ten years. REMs will offer a large amount of this industry’s future raw material supply.
• The need for rare earth metals grows as the demand for rechargeable batteries increases.
• Laser surgery, MRIs, and PEP detectors will become more common in the future as medical technology advances. REMs may prove valuable for military and naval weaponry in the future, according to certain experts.
• LCD screens and luggage scanners, CFL lights, LED and monitor chips, as well as long-lasting rechargeable batteries, maritime propulsion systems’ electrical components require REMs.
• Night vision goggles and laser-guided weapons are examples of uses in conventional military equipment. Rare-earth metal alloys are used in weapons and also in armoured vehicles to contain detonations if they hit something.
• Examples of REMs used in renewable energy sources include rechargeable batteries, solar panels, hybrid vehicles, wind turbines, and biofuel catalysts. These compounds can be used to make a wide range of products, including high-temperature ceramic pigments, glassware colourants, oxidising agents, polishing powder, polymers, and metal-enhancing additives.
• REM are used in portable x-ray machines and tubes for medicine mapping, cancer ailment treatment, genetic screening, and medical and dentistry lasers.
• Cutting-edge technology includes masers, fibre optics, and radiation detectors. Lasers, electrical devices, high-temperature superconductors, optical glass, and mercury lit -vapour lamps are all examples of applications for these materials.

Conclusion

There will be a high demand for rare earth elements in India because of its “Make in India” manufacturing effort. The government of India lacks the technology to safely collect rare-earth minerals despite the country’s abundance. Alternatively, India will need to improve its long-term supply agreements and diplomatic trade ties to meet its needs. By raising funds for research and development together with the creation of new technologies, the REM may be completely utilised.