Estudo sobre o histórico, mineração, aplicações, geopolítica e desafios das terras raras

Abstract

The rare earth elements are essential raw materials for the energy transition that the world is compromised to achieve. Neodymium and praseodymium are fundamental for the manufacture of high performance permanent magnets, which are used for wind turbines and electric vehicles engines. Among the sector challenges, can be cited the wide dominance of the chinese market, corresponding to 90% of the magnets market of the world, additionally, the country indicates that they will supply their internal needs, leaving the Occident with the urge to develop projects capable of supplying this growing demand for the future. Moreover, the manufacturing chain of rare earths is extremely complex, since its mining to its refining and posterior use in its applications. This is because the rare earths are found in low concentrations in the environment, and for its separation, numerous chemical processes with toxic and radioactive reagents and products are involved in the course of its production. In the present study, rare earth concepts, the geopolitics that surround them, companies outside China that look for ways to diversify these raw materials supply, and its perspectives for the future.