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News Topical, Digital Desk : Rare earths have once again become a topic of discussion. According to a special report by Reuters, a new rare earth crisis is brewing worldwide. According to the report, due to Chinese restrictions, the global supply of the rare earth element Yttrium has decreased significantly. This has raised the possibility of increasing costs related to aerospace, energy, and semiconductor production. Yttrium is used to protect against extremely high temperatures and is also used in engine manufacturing. In April, China imposed restrictions on six rare earth minerals, including Yttrium. This has had an impact on everything from trade to the stocks of metal companies.
In such a situation, questions are constantly being raised as to how suddenly rare earth minerals became so special that China, which dominates the world's supply of rare earth minerals, is using it as a weapon in the tariff war against America. Understand everything about it
What are rare earth elements Actually, these are 17 chemically similar elements. 15 of these belong to the Lanthanide series, whose atomic numbers are from 57 to 71, along with this Scandium and Yttrium are also included in these. These elements were first discovered in 1787 by a Swedish miner near a village named Ytterby. For this reason, two elements were named Yttrium and Ytterbium after this village. Rare earths are often called the vitamins or spices of the industry. Because they are used in very small quantities as vitamins or spices, they can make gadgets and technology much more effective than before.
Why have these elements become important? The demand for modern technology has increased their importance. They possess unique magnetic properties, making them extremely powerful and stable magnets. They can also withstand high temperatures and resist rust. Their ability to emit light is also unique. Furthermore, their excellent catalytic properties, superior conductivity, and stability make them unique. These properties make these elements used in EV motors, wind turbines, LEDs, TV screens, smartphone displays, missile systems, jet engines, satellites, lasers, radar, and high-tech machinery. The increasing emphasis on defense and energy transitions by countries around the world has increased their demand.
Why are they considered rare? Rare earths are not actually rare; they are widespread throughout the world. However, they are considered rare because they are difficult to obtain in pure form. Their chemical properties are very similar, so separating them requires more technology, money, and time. Extracting and processing them produces highly toxic waste that harms the environment, leading many countries to avoid this process. Indeed, some deposits also contain radioactive elements like uranium and thorium. Industry requires elements with 95 to 99 percent purity for their applications, making them rare.
Why the uproar? China is the leader in rare earth mining. It holds 60 percent of rare earth mining and 90 percent of refining and processing. In the 1980s, the US was the largest producer, and Europe had some of the world's largest processing plants. However, China has now become dominant. China has imposed restrictions on rare earth supplies due to the US threat of tariffs, creating a crisis in their supply.
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