Neodymium

Curious about neodymium?

According to the American Chemical Society:

What is Neodymium?
“Neodymium is one of the more reactive lanthanides—a group of similar metallic elements numbered 57-71 on the periodic table. These 15 elements, plus scandium and yttrium, are termed “rare earth elements” (REEs). Despite the name, most of these elements are relatively common in the Earth’s crust, but economically exploitable deposits are relatively sparse. Rare earths have important uses in a number of key applications for multiple advanced technologies in electronics, transportation, energy and defense.

“Creating a sustainable, circular economy for neodymium will empower us to meet U.N. Sustainable Development Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Where is Neodymium Found?
“Neodymium is primarily mined as part of a conglomerate with other rare earth elements in the monazite and bastnaesite mineral deposits. Historically, a single mine in California produced most of the world’s rare earth minerals, but since the early 90s, China has become the world’s primary source.

“At its peak in 2011, China supplied over 95% of all the REEs.

“Today China supplies 70% of the world’s REEs, with new mines in Australia and a reopened U.S. mine contributing. Mining and processing rare earths has caused extensive environmental pollution in China.

How is Neodymium Used?
“In 1983, researchers discovered that neodymium combined with iron and boron made a very strong permanent magnet. This enabled the miniaturization of electronics such as loudspeakers, computer hard drives, mobile phones, and electronic automobile components.

“Today the largest demand for high-performance neodymium-iron-boron magnets is in the motors of electric and hybrid vehicles. For example, each Toyota Prius is reported to contain as much as 1 kg of neodymium in its motor. Neodymium magnets are also used in wind turbines, aeronauti cs and space.

“Other uses of neodymium include making a specialized glass used in protective goggles for welding and glass blowing, and in applications such as surgical lasers and laser pointers. Finally, it is used as a catalyst in polymerization reactions.

“Why is Neodymium a Critical Element?
Recovery is expensive and underdeveloped
REEs are lost during electronic waste recycling
Demand is growing
Geopolitical concerns

“Current recycling costs are high and infrastructure to recover REEs from electronic motors is underdeveloped, although several companies and researchers are actively developing recycling technologies.

“Most electronic waste is shredded during the recycling process leading to the loss of REEs in dust and ferrous fractions. Since REEs make up only a small percentage of the material in electronic waste, the economic viability of recycling them is challenging with current technology.

“As important components of powerful batteries, magnets, photovoltaics, etc., REEs are enabling the clean energy economy. As demand for electric cars, wind turbines, solar panels and other high-tech devices grows, the supply pressure on REEs will also grow.

“REEs are “critical resources” due to their important applications in industry and defense and because of the geopolitical risk of the supply chain being concentrated in primarily one country. For example, in 2011, China restricted REEs exportation (cutting off Japan entirely), causing a massive price spike. In 2019, China brought up REEs as a point of negotiation during trade talks with the U.S., prompting the U.S. to pursue alternative sources with Canada…”

Original Source