2023 Rare Earths: From Wind Turbines, to EV's and
Fighter Jets - Rare Earths Are There
Travis Hannah BSc
Kingston Canada
thannah613@gmail.com
www.fireratedcables.com
Abstract— "Rare Earths" are a fundamental
component of the electrification of things, and movement
away from fossil fuels, and therefore a strong factor in
our energy development mix. (Abstract)
INTRODUCTION
Rare earth metals🗺, also known as rare earth elements
(REEs), are a family of 17 similar metallic elements that are
buried in the Earth's crust. They are known as "rare" because
they are not normally found in concentrated deposits, and are
typically difficult and expensive to extract from the ground.
The rapid move to electrification of the economy has
increased demand for these materials, in a fragile geopolitical
environment. All eyes have moved to the extraction⛏ and
processing⚙ of "rare earths" in the Americas and Europe .
The development of this industry in the Americas has been
delayed as a result of low cost offshore sourcing . This is
changing inline with questions of stable and sustainable
procurement of such metals.
Four of the primary "rare earth" elements that support a price
premium as a result of industry demand, availability and
processing are Neodymium, Praseodymium, Dyprosium and
Terbium.
II. NEODYMIUM
Neodymium is a chemical element with the symbol Nd
and atomic number 60 and is known as a "light rare earth".
Neodymium is a soft, silvery-white metal that can quickly
tarnish in air. It is a highly reactive element and must be
stored in mineral oil or sealed in glass to prevent oxidation.
Neodymium has a melting point of 1,021 °C (1,870 °F) and a
boiling point of 3,074 °C (5,565 °F). Its density is 7.01
grams per cubic centimeter, making it one of the densest
elements.
It is used in a number of industrial applications. One of its
most significant uses is in the production of powerful
permanent magnets, which are essential components of many
modern systems⛓, including electric motors and generators.
Neodymium magnets are the strongest type of permanent
magnet known, and their strength and durability make them
highly desirable in many applications. Neodymium is also
used in the production of high-strength steel, which is used in
many industrial and construction applications. The addition
2023 RARE EARTHS: FROM WIND TURBINES, TO EV’S AND JET FIGHTERS – RARE EARTHS ARE THERE
of neodymium to steel can increase its strength and improve
its performance in extreme temperatures.
III. PRASEODYMIUM
Praseodymium is a chemical element with the symbol Pr
and atomic number 59 and is known as a "light rare earth".
Praseodymium is a soft, off-white metal that can easily
oxidize in air. It is a highly reactive and should be stored in
mineral oil or sealed in glass to prevent oxidation.
Praseodymium has a melting point of 931°C (1708°F) and a
boiling point of 3520°C (6368°F). Its density is 6.77 grams
per cubic centimeter.
One of Praseodymium's most primary applications is as an
alloying agent in the production of high-strength metals
used in aircraft engines and other high-performance
applications, including the F-35 program✈. Praseodymium
can also be used in the production of magnets, ceramics and
piezoelectric devices..
IV. DYSPROSIUM
Dysprosium is a chemical element with the symbol Dy
and atomic number 66 and is known as a "heavy rare earth".
Dysprosium is a grey-white metal that oxidizes quickly in
air. It is a highly reactive element, and as the others, should
be stored, in mineral oil or sealed in glass to prevent
oxidation. Dysprosium has a melting point of 1,412 °C
(2,574 °F) and a boiling point of 2,562 °C (4,644 °F). Its
density is 8.55 grams per cubic centimeter, making it highly
dense.
It has several applications, especially in the production of
high-strength magnets used in electric motors and
generators. Dysprosium is added to neodymium-based
magnets to increase their magnetic strength and high-
temperature durability. Magnets are used in applications
such as electric vehicles , wind turbines, and medical
equipment . Dysprosium is also used in the production
of nuclear reactors and nuclear fuels. It is added to control
rods used in nuclear☢ reactors to regulate the rate of nuclear
fission and prevent nuclear meltdowns.
V. TERBIUM
Terbium is a chemical element with the symbol Tb and
atomic number 65 and is known as a "heavy rare earth".
Terbium is light grayish metal that oxidizes quickly in air,
and like other "rare earths" is a highly reactive element and
must be stored in mineral oil or sealed in glass to prevent
oxidation. Terbium has a melting point of 1,356°C
(2,473°F) and a boiling point of 3,230°C (5,846°F). Its
density is 8.23 grams per cubic centimeter.

It has several important applications, particularly in the

production of high-efficiency lighting⭐. Terbium is used
in fluorescent lamps and other types of lighting to produce
green light. Terbium also plays a critical role in the
production of some types of solid-state lighting, including
light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic light-emitting
diodes (OLEDs).

Terbium is also used in the production of high-strength

magnets , particularly in the production of
magnetostrictive (aka. electrostriction and is a property of
magnetic materials that causes them to change their shape or
dimensions during the process of magnetization) materials.
These materials can change shape or size in response to a
magnetic field and are used in actuators, sensors, and other
devices.

VI. CONCLUSION
"Rare Earths" are a fundamental component of the
electrification of things, and movement away from fossil
fuels, and therefore a strong factor in our energy
development mix.

2023 RARE EARTHS: FROM WIND TURBINES, TO EV’S AND JET FIGHTERS – RARE EARTHS ARE THERE