Rare earth element (REE) is a group of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table which include 15 lanthanides and scandium and yttrium.
Because of the name, rare earth elements don't confuse yourself because they are relatively plentiful in the earth's crust. However, because of the geochemical properties rare earth elements are typically dispersed and not often found concentrated in rare earth minerals hence economically exploitable ore deposits are less common
Rare earth elements are used almost everywhere in modern technologies. Their use is essential in clean energy, consumer electronics, and defence sectors
Use in clean energy-
Rare earth magnets based on neodymium are key components in electric cars and wind turbines LED lighting relies on yttrium and cerium.
Use in consumer electronics-
Circuits,sensors ,screens, batteries ,smartphones ,laptops
Any electronic device will be twice heavy and will lose its display resolution in absence of rare earth elements.
Use in defence sector-
Laser, radar, sonar, night vision glasses, missile guidance system, jet engines, smart bombs, armored vehicles
North Korea has the world's largest rare earth element reserves which amount to a total of 216.2 million tonnes. The monetary value of this reserve could amount to $ 6-10 trillion but China has a monopoly in the production of rare earth oxides and also the biggest supplier of rare earth elements to the USA. In its trade war with China, USA banned Chinese telecom giant Huawei and some 70 Chinese affiliates over national security concerns China has been looking for Hi-Tech counterpunch by imposing an export ban on rare earth elements to the USA.
In the USA the rare earth elements are high in demand and low in production so now USA eyeing alternatives after China's threat to stop the export of rare earth elements to the USA amid the ongoing trade war between the countries the USA is trying to ensure its supply of rare earth elements by reviving its own domestic rare earth industry.
Now China is trying to pursue the North Korean and Kim Jung un government to explore the large reserve of rare earth elements in North Korea in case China gets the access it can make a deal with Russia to provide rare earth elements in exchange of energy security by Russia and Central Asia.
some information credit-Wikipedia
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