Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
VERY HIGH RISKRare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements consisting of the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. Despite the name, most REEs are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but economically viable concentrations are difficult to mine and process. Their unique magnetic, phosphorescent, catalytic, and electrochemical properties make them essential to advanced industrial manufacturing and modern high-technology systems.
REEs are typically divided into:
Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs) — such as neodymium, lanthanum, and cerium
Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) — such as dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium, which are generally scarcer and strategically more valuable
The most strategically important REEs are used in:
high-performance permanent magnets
advanced radar systems
electric motors
missile guidance systems
precision optics
aerospace alloys
semiconductors
renewable energy infrastructure
Modern industrial economies depend heavily on REEs for both civilian and military technologies, yet the global supply chain remains highly concentrated in China, particularly in the midstream refining and magnet manufacturing stages.
90/100 — supply chain threat level: Very High
Missiles, Radar, Drones, EV Motors, Wind Turbines