As the world transitions to more renewable forms of energy, rare earths have become increasingly critical, placing them in the spotlight for mining explorers outside of China for the first time in decades.
However the term REE has perhaps started to gloss over an important distinction between the different elements. Not all rare earths are created equal.
What are Heavy Rare Earths?
Heavy rare earth (HRE) metals are defined by their higher atomic weights relative to light rare earths. Dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) are considered critical heavy rare earth metals, with limited supply and growing significance in advancing clean energy technologies.
Heavy REEs Dy and Tb face high demand thanks to their critical role in the manufacture of permanent magnets, creating long-term demand given their importance for the construction of wind turbines and EV motors.
Batteries are critical as they store energy, but permanent magnets transform that energy into kinetic energy. Magnets with HREE can operate up to 240°C as compared to 60°C for those magnets without HREE, making them vital for electric motors and turbines.
Written by Matthew Craig from The Market Bull
