Rare earth elements: Sector allocations and supply chain considerations

This article addresses the question of how the global and U.S. market sector allocations for rare earth elements compare. Accordingly, this article reports rare earth oxide (REO) market sector allocations, resolved by elemental profile for 2020 and reciprocally REO consumption resolved by end market use. Differences are calculated relative to 2008 and presented as percentages and as absolute tonnage. These differences encompass both changes in relative sector demand and growth rate. Historical trends, global and U.S. for REO usage by sector are calculated for the period of 2018–2022. End market sector demands, as percentages are presented, referenced to (United States Geological Survey, USGS) values from 2008. Attention is given to permanent magnets and associated elements given the growing renewable generation and vehicle electrification. The criticality of Nd and Dy are considered given that they are the foundation of NdFeB permanent magnets, prominent in electric vehicle traction motors and direct drive wind turbine generators. Economic activity associated with REE market sectors is presented. Notably usage does not reflect economic value. A prime example are catalysts versus magnets. Last, vast reserves of light and heavy REEs exist in coal and coal-byproducts with potential high impact upon critical REEs and associated economics.