About rare earths
Rare earths are a group of 17 elements including 15 silvery-white metals called lanthanides, or lanthanoids, plus scandium and yttrium. These specialty elements are essential to many modern technologies, thanks to their unique magnetic and optical properties. Although relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, they are rarely found in concentrated, mineable deposits hence the term “rare.”
Some of the most highly sought-after rare earth elements globally include neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium, which are key components in the production of powerful permanent magnets.
Product information: Rare earth oxides
ASM will produce a suite of separated rare earth oxides at the Dubbo Project for up to 15 rare earth elements including neodymium, praseodymium, terbium and dysprosium, as well as samarium europium gadolinium chloride (solid) and yttrium + heavy rare earth chloride (solid). The Dubbo deposit also includes lanthanum, cerium, holmium, erbium, thulium, and lutetium. The diverse applications for these oxides and chlorides make them indispensable to the development of clean energy, advanced electronics, and defence technologies.
A range of standard product specifications will be available, with exact chemistries and particle properties to be designed and tailored based on market demand. Our operating demonstration plant at ANSTO (global experts in solvent extraction recovery of rare earths) enables us to produce small quantities of test material for customers.
Neodymium
Neodymium is a versatile rare earth element widely used in advanced technologies. It is essential for producing high-strength permanent magnets, particularly in electric vehicles and wind turbines, where lightweight and efficient magnetic materials are crucial. These magnets are also used in computer hard drives and other precision devices.
Neodymium is incorporated into ceramic glazes and coloured glass, especially when combined with other elements like praseodymium, to filter infrared light and produce decorative or protective glass. It is used in lasers – such as neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet lasers – commonly found in cosmetic and eye surgeries, as well as some cancer treatments.
Praseodymium
Praseodymium is a rare earth element primarily used in metal alloys, particularly when combined with magnesium to create high-strength, lightweight materials for aircraft engines. It is also an important component in permanent magnets, especially in NdFeB (neodymium iron boron) and NdPr (neodymium praseodymium) magnets, which are widely used in electric motors and renewable energy systems.
Additionally, praseodymium is used with neodymium to produce coloured glass and ceramics, where it helps filter yellow light and infrared radiation – making it valuable in protective goggles, lighting applications, and specialised optical equipment.
Terbium
Terbium is a valuable rare earth element widely used in electronics and green technologies. It enhances the performance of NdFeB permanent magnets by increasing their thermal stability, which is essential for applications in electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Terbium is also a key component in green phosphors used in fluorescent and LED lighting, as well as in display screens. Additionally, it is used as a dopant in solid-state devices, fuel cells, and certain laser materials, contributing to advancements in energy efficiency and high-tech applications.
Dysprosium
Dysprosium is a critical rare earth element widely used to enhance the performance of high-strength permanent magnets, particularly in electric vehicles and wind turbines, by improving their heat resistance and magnetic stability. It is also used in control rods for nuclear reactors due to its excellent neutron absorption capabilities.
Additionally, dysprosium is utilised in data storage devices, phosphors for lighting, and certain advanced laser materials, making it an essential component across the energy, electronics, and defence sectors.
Uses for rare earths
Clean and renewable energy
A growing number of wind turbine generators incorporate rare earth magnets in their operations. A modern 3MW wind turbine uses 600kg of rare earths.
Hybrid and electric vehicles
Hybrid and full electric vehicles contain large quantities of rare earths. A typical hybrid or electric vehicle with a permanent magnet motor contains approximately 1.5 to 2.5 kg of rare earths such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium, primarily in the form of high-strength NdFeB magnets. Rare earth magnets are also used extensively in small ancillary electric motors, including starter motors, brake systems, seat adjusters and car stereo speakers. Rare earths are also present in sensors, LCD screens, glass and mirrors.
Manufacturing and transport
Catalysts are a major market for rare earths, particularly fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts to separate petroleum products (such as fuels) from crude oil,and automotive catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions in exhaust gases.
Modern healthcare
Rare earth magnets are a key component of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); an average MRI machine contains 700kg of rare earth metals. Rare earths are also used in diagnosis and treatment of ailments including some cancers and rheumatoid arthritis.
Electronics and communications
The unique properties of rare earths are crucial for the latest fibre optic technologies that power the internet and telephone communications. They are also essential for a range of electronics, including computer components, global positioning systems (GPS), sonar, defence systems and lasers.
Personal technology and rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries power many electronic devices (including electric cars). Approximately 25% of nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries are rare earths. Rare earths are also essential for various lightweight computer components found in smart devices, including global positioning systems (GPS).