Rare-earth elements (the ones everyone fears, separated from the main body of the Periodic Table) can be found in a wide veriety of the industries that we seem to care about the most nowadays: electronics, automobiles, warfare, and renewable energy sectors.
These elements— perhaps scandium, yttrium, cerium, neodymium or europium might ring a bell —have unique chemical and physical properties. They are used in electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, smartphones, hard drives and military equipment.
Encyclopaedia Britannica states that this is a misnomer since rare-earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, although they are often found in low concentrations (meaning that their economically viable extraction is quite difficult).
Depending on the industry you specialize on, you may have heard of how the process of refining these elements is complex, environmentally taxing, and highly centralized, with China controlling approximately 80% of global production. This dominance allows China to influence global supply and prices, creating vulnerabilities in international supply chains.
Antimony is a particularly critical material because we use it in the production of batteries, flame retardants, and several military applications. Its flame-resistant properties find a great place in the manufacturing of lead-acid batteries, used in vehicles and backup power systems, as well as in the production of brake pads and other automotive components. Also, antimony is an important element for the glass solar panels and smartphone screens because it enhances transparency and efficiency.
In resonance with our previous article, the bigger picture starts to make sense when taking into account the strategic importance of antimony when it comes to national security: it is used in the production of ammunition, infrared sensors, and night vision goggles. The global supply of antimony is highly concentrated in China, being the leading producer; and this centralization poses significant risks as geopolitical tensions rise and China imposes tighter export controls, partially as a potential tactic of retaliation due to the sanctions we mentioned last week.
The scarcity of rare-earth elements and antimony is not just a theoretical concern; it has real-world implications for industries worldwide. The automotive industry heavily relies on neodymium for the powerful magnets used in electric motors. A shortage in this element could slow down the production of electric vehicles (our latest hope for global transition to renewable energy).
Therefore, as the world experiences a peak in renewable energy storage systems demand, any disruption in the supply of antimony could have cascading effects on countless industries. The defense sector’s reliance on antimony makes its availability a matter of national security, especially for countries that lack domestic production.
Recycling offers a potential solution to the scarcity of rare-earth elements and antimony. Currently, recycling efforts focus on materials with high concentrations of these elements, such as scrap metal, magnet materials, and catalysts. Large permanent magnets used in wind turbines and electric vehicles contain significant amounts of neodymium and other rare-earth elements, making them prime candidates for recycling.
The challenge actually lies in the fact that many consumer products contain only trace amounts of these materials. The complexity of recycling such devices— which often contain a mix of rare earths, precious metals, and hazardous substances —makes the process costly and technically challenging. Either way, enhancing recycling efforts has to stop being just an option: reducing dependency on primary sources and ensuring a steady supply of these materials is now a must.
As the global demand for rare-earth elements and antimony continues to rise, innovation in material science and engineering will be the only answer to addressing shortages. Research is ongoing into developing alternative materials that can perform similar functions, reducing reliance on scarce resources. For instance, finding substitutes for neodymium in magnets or antimony in batteries could alleviate some of the pressure on global supply chains.
Advancements in extraction and refining technologies could make it more economically feasible to exploit lower-grade ores or previously untapped sources. As countries outside of China seek to develop their own rare-earth and antimony production capabilities, such innovations could help diversify global supply and reduce the concentration of production.
Given the complexities and risks associated with the supply of rare-earth elements and antimony, Lean Consulting Solutions is now handing your First Discovery Session AT NO COST: we'll tailor the best plan and manage environmental projects to transition to clean energy, implement internal recycling programs, and achieve zero-waste initiatives.
We specialize in manufacturing and lean practices, hand-in-hand with procurement — contact us NOW and let us work together in securing alternative suppliers, negotiating contracts that protect you against price volatility, and advising on inventory management to avoid shortages. Come and get the best strategies for your department or company to diversify supply chains, reduce material usage through lean manufacturing, and implement recycling programs to reclaim valuable resources.
Give us a try and explore material substitution options to drive innovation in product design and manufacturing processes. Lean Consulting Solutions is here to help you build more resilient and sustainable supply chains for the future.
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