Key resources for energy and technology

The main properties and characteristics

In the space of a few years, the geological elements known as rare earths have undergone a relevant evolution in the perception of ordinary people, industries, and global players in the sourcing sector. In a short time, in fact, they have gone from being considered as an interesting suggestion, also fueled by their name, to being considered globally as invaluable allies for industry, and in particular for applications related to the future of technology, energy, and advanced electronics.

The group of 17 elements that make up the rare earths also includes materials such as scandium, yttrium, and lanthanides, all resources with truly unique chemical and physical properties. It is precisely these distinctive characteristics that make them extremely useful in the technological field, and many observers are convinced that their centrality from a technological and energy point of view is destined to remain intact for many decades. Among their most appreciated characteristics is certainly the ability to give life to highly magnetic compounds, which is especially useful for the production of permanent magnets that are used in electric motors, wind turbines, and other advanced electronic components.

The most interesting applications

Rare earths also possess notable optical capabilities: some of these elements, in fact, are used in technologies that produce light in LED screens and television displays, with notable effects on improving the visual quality of the devices. However, the most interesting applications for rare earths are those that concern the future of technology in various industrial fields.

Rare earths such as dysprosium or neodymium make it possible to miniaturize some important devices in the energy sector, such as high-efficiency electric motors and generators used in wind turbines. Through miniaturization, rare earths contribute directly to improving the power and duration of these devices. This characteristic is particularly useful in the electric vehicle sector, where the presence of compact and efficient motors is of central importance in the era of energy transition.

Valuable allies for the future of technology

Future technologies that could be powered by rare earths also include revolutionary solutions, such as those involving robotics, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence. To make advanced quantum calculations possible, materials with exceptional physical and chemical properties will be needed, as well as resources capable of powering the functioning of superconductors, advanced sensors, and all the other equipment needed in this sector. These resources will also notably impact the development of new technologies in the defense and aerospace sector, particularly with regard to the production of radars, drones, and advanced satellite systems.

Few people know about it, but rare earth metals also play a leading role in improving the performance of some everyday devices, such as LED and OLED displays. Resources such as europium or terbium, in fact, are very useful for improving the overall quality of displays, and in particular for obtaining vivid and bright colors. These characteristics, which already dominate the aesthetics and functionality of smartphones, televisions and tablets, could be further developed thanks to the valuable contribution made by rare earths and their exceptional properties.

Finally, in the years of the energy transition, rare earths could also play an increasingly important role in advanced energy storage systems, such as batteries for electric vehicles or energy storage technologies, thus contributing directly to the spread of renewable energy.