The principal rare earth elements deposits of the United States: A summary of domestic deposits and a global perspective

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Abstract

Demand for the rare earth elements (REE, lanthanide elements) is estimated to be increasing at a rate of about 8% per year due to increasing applications in consumer products, computers, automobiles, aircraft, and other advanced technology products. Much of this demand growth is driven by new technologies that increase energy efficiency and substitute away from fossil fuels. Production of these elements is highly concentrated in China, which is reducing its exports of REE raw materials as part of its industrial policy. The ability of the rest of the world to replace supply from China depends on the quality of known REE resources and the degree to which those resources have been explored and evaluated. A review of United States resources in a global context finds that the United States could make significant contributions to future REE production. Aside from two advanced projects in the United States and Australia, however, there are no REE projects advanced enough to meet short-term demand.

Publication type Book chapter
Publication Subtype Book Chapter
Title The principal rare earth elements deposits of the United States: A summary of domestic deposits and a global perspective
DOI 10.1007/978-90-481-8679-2_7
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher Springer Vertaq
Contributing office(s) Western Mineral and Environmental Resources Science Center
Description 25 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Monograph
Larger Work Title Non-renewable resource issues
First page 131
Last page 155
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