Did you know… the metals driving modern technology are becoming increasingly scarce?

Elements such as neodymium, yttrium, and dysprosium are essential in the manufacture of high-power magnets, electric vehicle batteries, and LED screens, but their extraction is complex and costly due to their uneven distribution in the Earth's crust.

The scarcity of chemical elements and its impact on industry:

Unlike common metals such as iron or copper, which are found in large quantities, rare metals often occur in low concentrations and mixed with other materials. This means that their extraction requires expensive and environmentally impactful refining processes, limiting production to a few regions worldwide. As a result, price volatility and dependence on specific suppliers are constant challenges for the industry.

Rare earths: the essential metals of technology

Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements, including lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), and yttrium (Y). Although their name suggests otherwise, they are not particularly rare on Earth, but their concentration in economically viable deposits is extremely low.

Key applications:

• Electronics:Neodymium magnets are used in electric motors, hard drives, and high-quality headphones.
• Renewable energy:Wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries rely on these elements to enhance their efficiency.
• Aerospace and military industries:Used in guidance systems, advanced sensors, and optical equipment.
• Laser and fluorescent technologies:Yttrium and dysprosium are essential in medical lasers and high-resolution LED screens.

A growing problem: the scarcity of rare metals

China dominates 90% of the global market, leading countries such as the US and the European Union to invest in new sources of extraction and recycling. However, rare earth production remains highly concentrated, creating strong geopolitical dependence.

Unlike metals such as gold or aluminium, which can be extracted from large deposits, rare earths require complex separation processes. Additionally:

• The environmental impact is significant,limiting the opening of new mines in other regions.
• Recycling of these materials is still limited,although new methods are being developed to recover them from discarded electronic devices.

CymitQuimica: supporting research in rare metals

At CymitQuimica, we offer a wide range of rare earth and lanthanide compounds for research in electronic materials, catalysis, and new material chemistry.

Featured products:

• Neodymium oxide(Nd₂O₃):Key in high-strength magnets and specialised glass.
• Lanthanum chloride(LaCl₃):Used in catalysis and metallurgical processes.
• Gadolinium (Gd):Used in medical applications and advanced optical materials.

Explore our range of rare metals for research at CymitQuimicaand feel free to contact us with any enquiries at support@cymitquimica.com.