#REE March 12

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Wyoming has some of the highest-grade Rare-Earth Elements (REE) found in North America.

So just what are Rare Earth Elements? Rare earth elements (REE) are naturally occurring materials with unique properties that make them essential to new technologies. REEs include 17 elements that share similar chemical properties. They have the ability to discharge and accept electrons. That quality makes them critical for modern day electronic, optical, magnetic, and catalytic uses to operate.

Facts

One of the ironic things about REE is that they are not rare. What they are is difficult to mine in sufficient quantities to be profitable.

There are large quantities of REE’s located in Wyoming especially the Northeast part of the state.

If you want to read more about the 17 Elements the link provides detail. The list below provides you the Atomic Number.

Some Uses of Rare Earth Elements

Neodymium is used to make powerful magnets used in loud speakers and hard drives as well as hybrid cars.

Lanthanum is used in camera and telescopic lenses, as well as studio lighting and cinema projection

Cerium is used in catalytic converters in cars, as well as refining crude oil.

Praseodymium is used to create strong metals for use in aircraft engines. It is also used to make visors to protect welders and glassmakers.

Gadolinium is used in X-ray and MRI scanning systems, as well as television screens.

Yttrium, terbium, and europium are important for television and computer screens, as well as other devices with visual displays.