Rare earth element is a set of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table. i.e. 15 lanthanides, scandium and yttrium.

  • REE are metals which have similar properties which found together in geologic deposits. Because of this nature, the name Rare earth elements. Except Promethium, all the elements are found abundant in earth crust.
  • REE is used in manufacturing defence equipments, MRI equipments, rechargeable batteries, gadgets, etc.,
  • REE is important contributor in modern techonolgy, environment and economic areas.

Distribution:

  • Around 94% of rare earth element is found in China
  • India has around 2% of rare earth elements, In which 95% is found in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Orissa.

Properties:

  • REE has high electrical conductivity.
  • Due to the similar properties of REE, it is difficult to separate from each other.
  • REE occur naturally in minerals.
  • REE is silver, silver-white, gray metals.

Recent events:        

Due to trade war between US and China, US army planned to invest in Rare Earth processing facility to take care the supply of REE, which used to make electronical equipments and military weapons.