Ever wondered what powers your smartphone, EV or wind turbine? 🤔 The secret is rare earth elements (REEs)! These 17 metallic elements are the unsung heroes behind modern tech, from microchips to advanced weapon systems.
What Are Rare Earth Elements?
Despite the name, REEs aren’t "earthy" rocks. They include the 15 lanthanoids plus scandium and yttrium, known for their special optical, electrical and magnetic superpowers.
Why They Matter
Mix rare earths with other materials and you get stronger magnets, sharper screens, longer-lasting batteries and faster processors. That means smoother gaming sessions 🎮, greener energy 🌿 and smarter medical devices.
The Chinese Mainland's Leading Role
The Chinese mainland dominates about 60% of rare earth mining and over 80% of refining worldwide. Its scale, tech know-how and supply chain make it the go-to source for industries everywhere.
Global Impact & Challenges
This dominance has pros and cons. On one hand, it keeps prices stable. On the other, any supply hiccup can send shockwaves through global markets, impacting everything from car production to clean energy goals.
The Road Ahead
Countries and regions are exploring new mines, recycling programs and alternative materials to diversify supply. But building a complete ecosystem outside the Chinese mainland takes time and investment.
Next time you charge your phone or drive an EV, remember the rare earths quietly making it all possible—and stay tuned as the world works to balance innovation, sustainability and supply security! 🌐🔋
Reference(s):
Rare earths: What are they and why the world depends on China for them
cgtn.com
