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The rare-earth supply problem will have no easy solutions. Additionally, China is less burdened with environmental or labor regulatory requirements that can greatly increase costs incurred in mining and manufacturing rare-earth products. Geological Survey, China has emerged as the biggest player, controlling approximately 90 percent of the world's rare earth either through territorial control or exclusive mining rights. In the past 20 years, according to the U.S. Fiber-optic cables that use erbium can transmit signals over long distances because the erbium amplifies the signal.Īs rare-earth elements grow in importance, they have become both carrot and stick for international political trade negotiations. High-strength rare-earth magnets have allowed numerous electronic components used in appliances, audio and video equipment, computers, vehicles, communication systems and military gear to be miniaturized. What makes rare-earth elements so unique? Among the many beneficial characteristics, rare-earth batteries offer greater energy density, better discharge characteristics and fewer environmental problems upon disposal. Consequently, most rare earths come from a small number of sources. Where "rare" comes into play is that, in contrast with ordinary base and precious metals, rare-earth elements have little tendency to become concentrated in exploitable ore deposits. Even the two least abundant rare-earth elements (thulium and lutetium) are nearly 200 times more common than gold. Geological Survey finds the more abundant rare-earth elements are as common in concentration as other industrial metals such as chromium, nickel, tungsten or lead. The "rare" in rare-earth elements is a historical misnomer the persistence of the term reflects unfamiliarity with the elements rather than true scarcity.

Rare earths, including yttrium and terbium, are used for laser targeting and weapons in combat vehicles. For example, according to a 2013 report from the Congressional Research Service, each F-35 Lightning II aircraft requires 920 pounds of rare-earth materials. Everything from GPS navigation capability, cell phones, fiber optics, computers, automobiles and missiles relies heavily on rare-earth elements for development and production. Rare-earth elements have become the new oil, playing a major role in the technological advancements made in the last 50 years. military is facing a potential crisis at the very bottom of its supply chain. Army) VIEW ORIGINALĬhina controls roughly 90 percent of the rare-earth materials used in high-tech manufacturing, but the United States, Australia and Japan are exploring new sources that could end the Chinese monopoly. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S.

Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Militarily, rare earths are used in muni. Technological applications of rare-earth elements have exploded over the past couple of decades, with the compounds now used in lasers, batteries, fiber-optic cables, polishing glass and transporting hydrogen.