Introduction to Rare earth elements

The global demand for rare earth elements is growing. Australia is the 4th largest producer of rare earths in the world, and it holds 3.4% of the worlds rare earth resources. As critical minerals, rare earths elements processing is a new industry, which makes rare earth projects riskier compared to lithium projects which have a well-documented history. In this article, Global Road Technology discusses rare earth elements expected growth trends in Australia, types, mining companies, locations, investments in Australia, and their uses. 

What is the expected growth trend for rare earths in Australia?

Over the forecast period (to 2030) Australia’s mined rare earth element production is forecast to grow by 9.1% annually, driven by increased production planned from Lynas. Additionally, over 2021–2030, Australia’s refined rare production is forecast to grow by 69% annually, with increasing production of refined products via the proposed Lynas Kalgoorlie cracking and leaching plant, as well as Malaysian and possible US separation facilities. 

Types of Rare earth minerals in Australia 

Rare earth elements (or rare earths) are a group of metals with unique physical and chemical properties. Certain rare earths are primarily used in the production of ‘permanent’ magnets since they are ‘ferromagnetic’ and can be magnetized like iron. There are three distinct types of rare earth elements (light, heavy and other) and there are different elements within each type as shown in the table below. 

Light rare earths Heavy rare earths Other rare earths
lanthanum gadolinium yttrium
cerium terbium
praseodymium dysprosium
promethium holmium
samarium erbium
europium. thulium
ytterbium
lutetium

Rare earth mining companies in Australia

Rare earth mining companies are spread across 4 states in Australia – NT, VIC, NSW and WA. The mining projects statuses vary from feasibility, publicly announced and committed. Majority of Australian rare earth companies operate in VIC and WA. These companies are running different projects are:

  • Arafura 
  • Astron 
  • Australian Strategic Minerals 
  • Hastings Tech 
  • Iluka 
  • Kalbar 
  • Lynas 
  • Murray Zircon 
  • Northern Minerals 
  • VHM
  • WIM Resources 

What investments have been made in rare earth mining in Australia?

Mid-stage critical minerals projects can access the government’s $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI). MMI funding helps firms pilot, demonstrate or scale up the techniques and processes they need to achieve commercial close. The first round of MMI funding under the Collaboration stream saw 4 critical minerals projects receive grants totalling $243.6 million. The rare earth metals recipient was Arafura Resources Limited, which received $30 million to construct the Nolan’s Project Rare Earth Separation Plant in the Northern Territory. In July 2021 the first round of MMI funding under the Translation and Integration streams saw 5 critical minerals projects receive grants totalling $30.8 million. The rare earth metals recipient was Lynas Rare Earths, which received $14.8 million in funding to commercialize an improved process for producing rare-earth carbonate

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What are the different uses of rare earth minerals?

There are different uses for all the three different types of rare earth minerals and some overlap with each other. Here are the several uses of rare earth minerals:

  • rechargeable batteries 
  • automotive catalysts 
  • television and computer screens 
  • glass 
  • polishing powders
  • permanent magnets for EVs and wind turbines 
  • computers
  • consumer electronic screens 
  • thickness gauges and atomic batteries for spacecraft and guided missiles 
  • magnets for small motors 
  • cancer treatment and nuclear reactors 
  • steel production to improve resistance to high temperatures
  • nuclear control rods 
  • sonar systems 
  • data storage and laser materials 
  • radiation source in x-ray machines 
  • anti-forgery marks on banknotes 
  • earthquake monitors 
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners for 3D images of cellular activity 
  • energy-efficient lighting, satellites and superconductors 

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References 

www.industry.gov.au/oce 

https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/australias-global-resources-strategy

https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/technology-investment-roadmap

https://www.industry.gov.au/data-and-publications/make-it-happen-the-australian-governments-modern-manufacturing-strategy