World REE reserves and production
| Countries | Reserves (thousands of tons) | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 27 000 | 88 000 | 92 000 | 95 000 | 119 000 | 119 000 | 120 000 |
| CIS | 19 000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 2000 | -- | -- |
| USA | 13 000 | 5000 | 4500 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Australia | 5200 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| India | 1100 | 2700 | 2700 | 2700 | 2700 | 2700 | 2700 |
| Canada | 940 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| SOUTH AFRICA | 390 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Brazil | 110 | 200 | -- | -- | -- | 730 | 730 |
| Malaysia | 30 | 450 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 200 | 200 |
| Sri Lanka | 12 | 120 | 120 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Thailand n. e. | -- | 2200 | 2200 | 2200 | -- | -- | -- |
| Other countries | 21 000 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Total | 88 000 | 98 300 | 99 100 | 102 000 | 123 000 | 123 000 | 124 000 |
Top producers
The table shows that the largest reserves of REE are concentrated in China. China accounts for more than 90% of global REE production. One should note that the planned capacity of the Chinese enterprises is about 180 thsd. tons, i.
Supply outlook
The changes in the global market were caused by the steps taken by the Chinese government in 2006 - 2007. China adopted a quota for production of rare-earth raw materials in 2007. - The quota was adopted in China in 2007. 87 thousand tons, which amounted to 65% of the annual output of the previous years, however, Chinese producers exceeded the quota. According to estimates of SMZ in 2006 production of rare-earth raw materials in China amounted to 119 thousand tons (in terms of oxides). In 2007, extraction of 135 thousand tons (in terms of oxides) amounted to 115 thousand tons. - In 2007 the extraction of 135 thousand tons (in terms of oxides) yielded 125 thousand tons of final products. Global consumption of REE reaches 130 thous. tons per year.
Usage
Catalysts for petrochemical industry and production of glass and polishing agents (24%) account for the largest part of REE consumption in the world (28.5%). REE is also in demand in metallurgy, electrical engineering (production of rechargeable batteries) and in production of special ceramics. Cerium is used for production of catalytic filters-neutralizers of exhaust gases. Dysprosium, neodymium and samarium are used to produce magnets; yttrium, europium and terbium are used for luminophores; lanthanum is used for capacitors; yttrium is used for ceramics; and lanthanum and cerium are used for special optics. Cerium is also used to make high-tech abrasives. Gadolinium, dysprosium and lanthanum are necessary for coating X-ray films.
Buy, price
Evek GmbH sells rare earth metals at the best price. It is formed taking into account the rates on the London Non-Ferrous Exchange and depends on the technological characteristics of production without including additional costs. With us you can buy in bulk the necessary products for large-scale production. A wide range of products, comprehensive advice of managers, reasonable prices and timely delivery determine the face of our company. Wholesalers get discounts.
