An introduction to erbium

Erbium demand and end-uses

Erbium is a rare earth element belonging to the lanthanide series. Its unique optical and nuclear properties make it valuable in various high-tech applications, including telecommunications, nuclear technology (neutron absorbers and control rods in nuclear reactors), medical devices, glass and ceramics, phosphors, and lighting.

Erbium-doped lasers are widely used in medical and dental procedures including ophthalmology (eye surgeries), dermatology (skin resurfacing and wrinkle removal), and dentistry (cavity preparation and soft tissue surgery). These lasers offer high precision and reduce damage to surrounding tissues.

In nuclear technology, erbium oxide is used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber to regulate the fission process and help maintain reactor stability and safety by absorbing excess neutrons. Erbium is also incorporated into control rods used in nuclear reactors, providing effective neutron absorption and contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the reactor.

Erbium oxide is a pink colouring agent in glass and ceramics, providing a distinct pink hue. Erbium-doped glasses are used in various optical applications, including laser safety glasses and display technologies.

Erbium is used in phosphors for certain types of fluorescent and LED lighting, contributing to improved light quality and efficiency, and in display technologies, where erbium-doped materials enhance colour and brightness.

Erbium supply

Erbium, a member of the heavy rare earth elements, is primarily extracted from minerals such as xenotime and euxenite, monazite and bastnäsite. The leading producers of erbium are China, which dominates the global market, followed by the United States, Australia, and Brazil. Other countries with notable production include India, Russia, Vietnam, and Canada.

Erbium is typically obtained as a byproduct of the mining and processing other rare earth elements, especially from deposits rich in heavy rare earth elements. The extraction and refinement process is complex and involves separating erbium from other rare earth elements through solvent extraction and ion exchange methods.

The global supply of erbium is influenced by the concentration of erbium in these minerals, the presence of co-occurring valuable elements, and the overall demand for rare earth elements. Environmental regulations and geopolitical factors also play significant roles in the supply chain, with China’s dominance posing potential risks to global supply stability.