What are rare earth metals?

Over the years, the Chinese government has worked to control rare earth’s exports, a group of metals used in an array of products, which is common as semiconductors and lights. Now, in its trade war with the United States, China is moving forward to limit the market even further for these metals, which may be a devastating consequences for American manufacturing and military power. So, what are these metals really, and why are they so important?

What are rare earth?

There are 17 types of metals known as rare earth, which expand the periodic table and are important for industries such as technology, energy and transport. With names such as Terbium, Prasodimium and Disprocumum, metals are Significant components For some most advanced technologies.

Rare Earth can be sorted into two types: heavy and lighter. Heavy rare Earth has more atomic weight and is usually more rare, meaning that they sell small amounts and are prone to deficiency. In contrast, light metals have a low atomic weight. The two are the two most important neodimiums and prasodimiums, which are mainly used to make magnets.

What are they used for?

Uses used for rare earth are: semiconductor chips that give power to artificial intelligence; Motors of electric vehicles; Fighter jets and guided missiles used by the US Army; wind turbines; And LED lights were found in millions of homes, among others.

Many rare earth have chemical properties that make them heat resistant, so they can be used to make high quality magnets, glass, lights and batteries. Magnets made of rare earth are quite powerful – and valuable – compared to other types, especially in electric car production.

Does the United States produce rare earth?

Mountain passes, California has only one operating rare Earth in the United States, producing about 15 percent of the global rare Earth.

It was not always like this. In the 1980s, the United States was a leader in rare earth production, accounting for one third of the global market. But with a decades long effort to control the market by China, the stake of rare earth production in the United States gradually declined until it almost stopped in the early 2000s.

Where does the rare earth come from?

Rare Earth is mined with rock deposits in the earth’s crust. With about 70 percent of the market, China is capable of controlling the export and price of metals sold worldwide. About 90 percent of the rare Earth magnets are produced in China, and 99.9 percent of the world’s dysproosium, which uses chipmaker Nvidia to make capacitors, is mined in China.

In recent years, the rare earth has become a rapidly important geophagical device. The Trump administration has demanded a deal to acquire the rare earth of mineral-rich Ukraine in exchange for military support. The administration has also talked about the lump sum acquisition of Greenland due to its rich rare Earth’s supply.

What will be the effect of China’s sanctions on rare Earth?

Without adequate supply of rare Earth, American manufacturing for areas such as motor vehicle industries will grind a stop. Some American companies have been stocking rare earth over the years in anticipation of a trade war, but it is not clear how long those supply would last if China cuts exports.

It can also affect the strategic goals of the US Army, which can air with a lack of drones, missiles, and aircraft without rare earth. Tech manufacturers such as Nvidia, whose chips are already in low supply, may also be affected with smartphone manufacturers such as Apple.

While many rare earth mining operations in China were private or foreign owned over the years, the Chinese government has consolidated control over industry by acquiring the largest local miners with state -owned companies, which has given it a total control over manufacturing and exports.