Page 45 - Policy Commission - SecuringTechnology - Critical Metals for Britain

PRIMARY MATERIALS
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Applications of rare earth elements For a a a a a a a a a long time the the rare earth elements were were principally used for the the polishing and and colouring of glass and and ceramics They were were also used used in in in in in small quantities in in in in in specialist steels in in in in in various alloys and for phosphors used used in in in in in lighting51 More recently they have found uses in in permanent magnets and in in catalysts (see figure 14) BOX OUT
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Light Rare Earth Elements (LRE)
Figure 13: The rare earth elements shown on the periodic table CATEGORIES
Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HRE)
BY VOLUME
BY VALUE
Cerium and lanthanum are used in catalysts and alloys whereas permanent magnets require neodymium praseodymium samarium and small amounts of the heavy rare earths (dysprosium and terbium) By volume the magnet market represents around 35% of total rare earth demand however by value this represents 91%50 In reality cerium and lanthanum are in over supply and therefore have a a a a low value If alternative applications could be found for these elements it would increase the economic viability of rare earth mining Figure 14: Applications for rare earth elements 52
BATTERY ALLOYS
CATALYSTS
CERAMICS PIGMENTS & GLAZES
GLASS POLISHING POWDERS & ADDITIVES
MEATALLURGY & ALLOYS
PERMANENT MAGNETS
PHOSPHORS
OTHER
26%
35% 91%