Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemical elements that are essential to many modern technologies. Their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties make them critical to products such as:
- Cell phones: Indium is used for touch screens, and yttrium is used to produce colors in smartphone screens
- Computers: REEs are used in computer hard disks, monitors, and electronic displays
- Batteries: REEs are used in rechargeable batteries and the batteries of hybrid and electric cars
- Light bulbs: REEs are used in fluorescent and light-emitting-diode (LED) lights
- Televisions: REEs are used in flat screen televisions
- Camera lenses: Lanthanum is used in camera and telescope lenses
- Wind turbines: Neodymium is used to make the magnet for wind turbines
- X-ray scanners: REEs are used in X-ray scanners
