What are REEs used for?
Rare earth elements are used in a wide range of applications, from everyday household items, such as rechargeable cell phone batteries, to cutting-edge technologies such as superalloys used in the aerospace industry. The following are just a few of the many applications for REEs. Catalysts: Historically, about half of the rare earths produced were used as catalysts in the petroleum and automotive industries. For example, cerium is a critical component in both gasoline and the newer diesel catalytic converters found on automobiles and trucks. Among other things, the cerium protects the platinum group metals in the converter from oxidation. In 2005, the proportionate use of REEs as catalysts dropped to 22%, not because of reduced REE consumption but because of increased consumption in other areas. Magnets: One of the main areas of increased consumption is the magnet industry. Rare earth magnets are the world’s strongest permanent magnets. Approximately 18% of REE demand is for permanent
