Rare Earth Elements: The "Vitamins" of Modern Industry
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements that act as the "seeds" of high technology.
While they are often found together in the earth's crust, they are not all created equal. Volta Metals focuses on the most economically critical sub-groups: Light Rare Earths and Heavy Rare Earths.
Understanding the Market
Investors often view REEs in three distinct baskets. Volta’s interest centres on the elements with higher value and strategic importance.
Light REEs (LREEs)
The "workhorses" like Cerium and Lanthanum - abundant and lower value. Neodymium and Praseodymium and the high-value premium light rare earth elements.
Heavy REEs (HREEs)
The "scarce defenders." Elements like Dysprosium and Terbium. They are rarer, harder to source, and critical for defence systems.
Magnet REEs (MREs)
The "money metals." A crossover group (including Neodymium and Praseodymium) specifically used to create permanent magnets—the heart of the EV motor and defense applications.
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Neodymium (Nd) and Praseodymium (Pr) are the key elements for high-strength permanent magnets used in EVs and wind turbines.
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Heavy REEs like Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) are essential for ensuring magnets operate at high temperatures without losing performance.
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HREEs are critical for guidance systems, jet engines, and drones, making domestic supply a matter of national security.