Rare Earth Minerals Flashcards
What are rare earth minerals?
Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 elements, including praseodymium and dysprosium, that are widely distributed throughout the Earth's crust.
Are rare earth minerals actually scarce?
Despite their name, rare earth minerals are not scarce but are widely distributed.
In what industry are rare earth elements extensively used?
Rare earth elements are extensively used in the manufacture of electronic devices.
Name some electronic devices that utilize rare earth elements.
Computers, laptops, mobile phones, digital cameras, and portable music players all utilize rare earth elements.
Which rare earth elements are used in the lenses of digital cameras?
Lanthanum or lutetium are used in specialized glass for digital camera lenses.
What rare earth elements are found in the miniature magnets of electronic circuit boards?
Neodymium, samarium, and other rare earth elements are integrated into miniature magnets on electronic circuit boards.
Which rare earth elements contribute to the color reproduction of displays?
Europium and terbium contribute to the vibrant color reproduction of displays.
What are rare earth oxides used to produce?
Combinations of rare earth oxides are used in the production of high-temperature superconductors.
What technologies utilize high-temperature superconductors made with rare earth oxides?
High-temperature superconductors are integral to MRI technology and maglev trains.
What is the projected trend for the demand of rare earth elements?
Future projections suggest an increasing dependence on electronic devices, thereby augmenting the demand for rare earth elements.
Are concentrated ores of rare earth minerals common?
Concentrated ores of rare earth minerals are relatively uncommon.
What radioactive element are rare earth minerals frequently found in association with?
Rare earth minerals are frequently found in association with thorium, a radioactive element.
What are the challenges associated with extracting and refining rare earth elements?
The extraction and refinement of rare earth elements are both capital-intensive and hazardous.
Which country currently dominates global rare earth mining operations?
China accounts for 97% of global rare earth mining operations.
Where in China are most rare earth mining operations located?
Most rare earth mining operations in China are located in the Gobi Desert.
Which nations are reliant on imports of rare earth minerals from China?
Nations with substantial electronics industries, such as Japan, India, Taiwan, and South Korea, are reliant on imports from China.
How has China's expanding domestic electronics industry affected the availability of rare earth minerals to other nations?
As China's domestic electronics industry expands, the availability of these minerals to other nations has diminished.
What global initiative is currently underway regarding rare earth elements?
A global initiative is underway to identify alternative sources of rare earth elements outside of China.
Which countries have potential reserves of rare earth elements outside of China?
India, Brazil, Canada, and Australia possess reserves with the potential to yield thousands of tons of rare earth resources.