Rare Earth Elements
Critical metals for the energy transition
Rare Earth Elements and Lanthanides
Exploring the synergy between Rare Earth Elements and Lanthanides
The lanthanides are intrinsically linked to the group of elements known as the Rare Earth Elements (REEs), which comprise the 15 lanthanides, along with scandium and yttrium. Their occurrence in dispersed form and in low concentrations in various minerals makes them economically challenging to extract, which is a primary reason they were historically considered rare. The lanthanides and other REEs are critical for a variety of applications that are essential to modern technology, defence, and green energy solutions. The mining and refining of REEs frequently raise environmental concerns due to the toxic waste generated and the potential for significant ecological impact. Moreover, the global supply of REEs is geopolitically sensitive, with a few countries dominating the market, leading to international efforts to diversify sources and improve recycling technologies.
Light REEs
Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) encompass the first half of the lanthanide series in the periodic table. These elements are more abundant in the Earth's crust compared to their heavy counterparts (HREEs) and are generally easier to extract due to their higher concentrations in rare earth ores.
Heavy REEs
Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) are a subset of the rare earth elements (REEs), which include the lanthanides and yttrium is often included with the HREEs because it shares similar physical and chemical properties, and it tends to occur in the same ore deposits as the heavier lanthanides.
Unclassified REEs
Scandium is often associated with rare earth elements (REEs) but is not always classified as one. While scandium shares many characteristics with the REEs, including its occurrence in the same types of minerals and its use in similar applications, its classification as an REE is sometimes debated due to its distinct placement in the periodic table and its unique electron configuration.
Rare earth oxide producers
Meet the Rare Earths and Minor Metals team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.
Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer
Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research
Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant
Ismet Soyocak
ESG & Critical Minerals Lead
Rj Coetzee
Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies
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