Rare earth metals (REM) and rare earth elements (REE) are the collection of 17 earth elements in the periodic table, namely scandium, yttrium, and 15 lanthanides. Because of their unique magnetic, fluorescent and chemical properties, REM and REE are key materials used in science innovation.
Major rare earth applications are used in hybrid vehicles. For example the Toyota Prius, contains 30 kg (65 lb) of REE. Rare earth elements are used in motors, metal hydride batteries, glass, autocatalysts, and electronics.
Source: Natural Resources Canada; “Rare Earths at the Crossroads,” by Dudley J. Kingsnorth (September 2008).
*taken from www.questuranium.com
