Rare earths are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements critical for modern technology. Found in everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to...
Rare earth elements are a group of 17 metallic elements crucial for high-tech applications, known for their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties.
They are vital components in numerous modern technologies, including consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and aerospace applications, due to their unique properties.
Despite their name, rare earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust; however, finding them in economically viable, concentrated deposits is uncommon and extraction is complex.
Key challenges include complex and costly extraction processes, significant environmental concerns due to chemical processing, and geopolitical implications concerning concentrated supply chains.