Why are rare earth elements so useful for modern technology?

Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial for production of clean energy, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, national defense and more. China controls more than 80\% of global production and supply, putting supply chains and national security at risk.

How does the rare earth mining impact the earth?

Second, the process can have enormous environmental impacts. Mining for rare earth minerals generates large volumes of toxic and radioactive material, due to the co-extraction of thorium and uranium — radioactive metals which can cause problems for the environment and human health.

What are rare earth minerals and why are they important?

Rare earth metals, a group of 17 chemical elements in the Earth’s crust, are crucial to keeping our society running smoothly–and to transitioning to a clean-tech-driven economy. They’re used in electric car motors, lithium ion batteries, computer hard drives, solar panels, and wind turbines.

Will we ever run out of rare earth metals?

The reserves of some rare earth minerals used in electronics, medical equipment and renewable energy could run out in less than 100 years. Rare earth minerals are naturally occurring resources, which cannot be recreated or replaced. … Some minerals are only present in very tiny quantities.

How is rare earth used?

WHAT ARE RARE EARTHS USED IN? Rare earths are used in rechargeable batteries for electric and hybrid cars, advanced ceramics, computers, DVD players, wind turbines, catalysts in cars and oil refineries, monitors, televisions, lighting, lasers, fiber optics, superconductors and glass polishing.

How do we use rare earth metals in our everyday life?

Uses of Rare Earth Elements Rare earth metals and alloys that contain them are used in many devices that people use every day such as computer memory, DVDs, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, catalytic converters, magnets, fluorescent lighting and much more.

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