Department of Energy Report on Supplies of Rare Earths

According to the recently-released 2011 Critical Materials Strategy Report by the U.S. Department of Energy, five rare earth metals are at risk and have the potential to impact renewable energy technology deployment in the next few years.

The report examined 16 elements critical to wind turbines, electric vehicles and fluorescent lighting. Of those elements, eight are rare earth metals valued for their unique magnetic, optical and catalytic properties.

Read the executive summary of the findings here.