Why rare earths matter

Understanding the crucial role of rare earths in the energy transition

Why are rare earths important for the energy transition? When will there be new magnet capacity in Europe and the US? What are the biggest challenges facing the industry?


Listen to Fastmarkets’ strategic markets editor Caroline Messecar interview rare earths industry veteran Constantine Karayannopoulos, retired CEO of Neo Performance Materials where we tackle these and other key questions.

Spotlight on rare earths
About rare earths

Rare earth metals (the lanthanum series plus yttrium), are a group of elements that have found their way into most areas of modern life – from your smartphone and computer to medical devices, fiber optic cables, water treatment chemicals and catalysts. The use of rare earths in high-performance magnets in the engines of electric and hybrid vehicles and offshore wind turbines is creating unprecedented demand. But new demand is also bringing with it new pressures on the industry to build out the type of supply chains that large modern manufacturers need.

Discover our rare earths prices and insights to stay ahead in this volatile market

Find out more about the launch of Fastmarkets’ rare earths prices and discover further insights here.

What to read next
Shin-Etsu Chemical, one of Japan’s largest manufacturers of rare earth magnets, plans to build a new domestic rare earths refinery in Fukui, Japan, as first reported by Nikkei Asia.
Rare earths and uranium producer Energy Fuels has announced an agreement to acquire German rare earths magnet maker Vacuumschmelze (VAC) in a deal worth approximately $1.9 billion, the company announced on Tuesday June 23.
Naturally produced graphite offers a cheaper and more supply-chain stable alternative for battery manufacturers and consumers, Jon Jacobs, chief commercial officer of US-based mineral resources developer Westwater Resources, told Fastmarkets in an exclusive interview on Thursday June 4, as concerns over Chinese dominance in the market forced buyers to look elsewhere.
The West entered the rare earths race late as countries in general were slow to act and now China is far ahead, Mineração Taboca executive manager Ronaldo Lasmar said in an interview with Fastmarkets.
Capital is flowing back into junior mining, but selectively. Investment is increasingly favouring development‑stage assets with clearer paths to production, supported by government funding and strategic partnerships. While demand for critical minerals underpins the cycle, early‑stage explorers continue to struggle for capital as investors prioritise discipline, ESG alignment and near‑term cash flow.
In this episode of Fast Forward, Andrea Hotter speaks with Stella Li, executive vice president at BYD, one of the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle and battery companies. From ultra-fast charging and vertical integration to global expansion and shifting consumer expectations, Stella explains how BYD is redefining what it means to be a carmaker.