Rare-earth elements (REEs) are found in smartphones, plasma screens and even artificial joints. As components of wind turbines or electric motors, they play an important role in the production of clean energy. The battle for these valuable resources is already in full swing.
In a Comment published in the journal Nature, researchers from Germany, China and the U.S. show new ways to get a circular economy for REEs off the ground. Raimund Bleischwitz, an expert in circular economy at ZMT in Bremen, is one of the authors. He says, “In order to meet the increasing demand without harming the environment, the entire REE industry needs to be rethought.”
The demand for REEs has been rising for years. According to forecasts, global use of these elements will probably increase fivefold—from about 60,000 tons in 2005 to 315,000 tons in 2030. If the energy transition is to succeed, REEs are needed—for example, about 170 kilograms of the REEs are required to generate one megawatt of wind-powered energy.
Pensana plc (LON:PRE) explores and mines neodymium, praseodymium, and rare earth minerals. The Company’s flagship assets are the Saltend rare earth refinery project in the United Kingdom and Longonjo neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) Project in Angola.
