Rare Earths: Why Specificity Strengthens the Supply Chain Conversation

In both policy and practice, understanding which rare earth elements (REEs) are truly relevant to the battery supply chain, and why, can help create more resilient systems.

What Are Rare Earths, Really?

There are 17 rare earth elements on the periodic table: the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium. They each have different properties and applications, ranging from industrial magnets to lasers and catalysts.

In many cases, the term “rare earths” gets used interchangeably with “critical minerals.” It’s important to note that while they often overlap in discussions, they’re not the same. For instance, lithium, a key element in battery chemistry, is not a rare earth. But it’s frequently grouped in with them due to its strategic importance.

Which REEs Matter for Batteries and Clean Tech?

In the lithium-ion battery ecosystem, rare earths typically feature outside the battery cell, in parts like electric motors, drive systems and power electronics.

The rare earth elements most relevant here include:

• Neodymium (Nd)
• Praseodymium (Pr)
• Dysprosium (Dy)
• Terbium (Tb)

These are widely used in permanent magnets that drive electric motors in EVs, wind turbines and industrial equipment – thanks to their strong magnetic properties and ability to withstand high temperatures.

A Broader Picture: Industry and Defence

It’s not just clean tech that relies on these elements. Defence and aerospace sectors also depend on specific rare earths for communications, guidance and propulsion technologies. This shared demand increases competition and puts pressure on global supply chains, especially as demand continues to rise across both sectors.

By acknowledging the needs of both clean energy and defence, we can have a more balanced conversation about material security, supply risk and recycling innovation.

What This Means for Recycling

At Recyclus, our main focus is on recovering materials from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, but we also see increasing opportunity in associated components that pass through EV and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) streams, including parts containing rare earths.

Knowing which rare earths are present, and where, allows us to:

• Refine our recycling processes for greater material recovery.
• Collaborate with industry and defence partners on supply chain resilience.
• Offer greater traceability and transparency across recovered materials.

A More Informed Materials Conversation

The term ‘rare earths’ is widely used and sparks important conversations about critical materials. Taking a closer look at which elements truly matter for each technology is essential to building stronger, more resilient supply chains for the future.

At Recyclus Group, we’re proud to be part of a growing conversation about materials strategy, one rooted in science, sustainability and collaboration.