A group of 15 subjects, or 17, depending on how they are defined. In some contexts, the elements scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y) are also counted as rare earth metals.

They are a group of elements that are of great importance to our modern society, and have become increasingly important for the production of cleaner and more energy efficient technology. They are often called “high-tech vitamins” because many modern devices cannot function without them. They are used, among other things, for hybrid and electric cars, special magnets, wind turbines, solar cells, mobile phones, computers, low-energy lamps.

Cerium: catalysts, glass, polishing agents, alloys

Dysprosium: permanent magnets (neodymium-iron-boron magnets, NdFeB)

Erbium: fiber optics, coloring of glass, lasers

Europium: light sources, monitors

Gadolinium: permanent magnets, light sources, alloys

Holmium, lutetium, ytterbium, thulium: lasers, x-ray photography – have less commercial use though

Lanthanum: catalysts, additives in glass and ceramic materials, batteries

Neodymium: permanent magnets (NdFeB), alloys, ceramics, lasers

Praseodymium: permanent magnets (NdFeB), batteries, ceramics, alloys, catalysts, polishing agents, additive in glass.

Samarium: permanent magnets (samarium-cobalt, SmCo), optics

Terbium: as a substitute for dysprosium in permanent magnets (NdFeB), light sources

Yttrium: light sources, ceramics, glass, alloys and lasers

The EU imports 99 percent of its needs from China. Recycling of the metals accounts for only a few percent of the need.

Source: Geological Survey of Sweden, SGU