Getting Down to Earth with Rare Earths by Stacy-Ann Parker

“‘Rare earth’ metals aren't as rare as they sound —in fact, you're probably using some right now. They're key to a variety of everyday devices, from tablet computers and TVs to hybrid cars and wind turbines, so it may be encouraging to know several kinds are actually common. Cerium, for example, is the 25th most abundant element on Earth.” Russell McLendon

                 Discovered in 1787 by Swedish Army Lieutenant Karl Axel Arrhenius, the rare earths are a relatively abundant group of 17 elements consisting of scandium, yttrium and the lanthanides. The name ‘rare earth’ metals alludes to the elusive nature as the 17 elements rarely exist in high concentrations, instead they are diffusely mixed with other minerals underground, making them costly and environmentally unfriendly to extract.

China produces over 87 percent of the world’s rare earth minerals. Thus, China’s restriction on the export of rare earths has threatened the future availability and use of the rare earths as clean-energy and defense-related technologies. Owing to this, industrialized countries – Japan, the United States and the European Union – face tighter and higher prices for rare earths and are now seeking alternatives to China as rare earth source.

From as early as the 1950s, Jamaica’s alumina industry has produced red mud as a by-product. This bauxite waste has posed an environmental hazard to many communities. Today, there is the potential to use this toxic waste material as a source for much needed foreign exchange. Jamaica red mud has the capacity to generate up to 1500 metric tons (1 metric ton=1000 kg) of rare earth annually, according to the Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining – the Hon. Phillip Paulwell. Current market prices for rare earths ranges from 13 US$/kg (Lanthanum oxide) up to 15,000 US$/kg (Scandium metal) according to HEFA Rare Earth. So, Jamaica could turn waste into gold through these commonly used rare earth elements.