In this blog post, we will examine how rare earth elements, which are essential to the development of IT technology, are being weaponized and how prepared we are for this.
Nowadays, IT devices are becoming smaller and smaller, and their performance is improving at an even faster rate. These changes go beyond simple technological advances and are fundamentally changing human life. Features that were unimaginable just a few years ago are now easily accessible in our daily lives. Smartphones are equipped with functions beyond our imagination, and the speed of wireless internet like 4G LTE now matches that of wired LAN. Many people joke that IT companies must have “captured and hired aliens who crash-landed on Earth” or that “God is helping them.” Given the current pace of IT technology development, these statements are not without merit. However, behind these technological leaps lie countless efforts. From innovative semiconductor technology and software development to securing the rare resources that support it all, the process is more complex than one might imagine. The true protagonists of IT technology development are rare earth elements.
Rare earth elements are materials that, even in extremely small quantities, possess unique physical, electrical, and chemical properties that enable them to create products with remarkable performance that cannot be replicated by other materials. It’s the same principle as how even the most bland dish can become a delicious meal with just a few spoonfuls of seasoning. What exactly are rare earth elements that enable them to create such remarkable products? Let’s take a closer look at the world of rare earth elements.
Rare earth elements refer to the 15 elements in the lanthanum series with atomic numbers 57 to 71, plus the two elements scandium (atomic number 21) and yttrium (atomic number 39), totaling 17 elements. Despite the name “rare earth,” many people mistakenly believe that these elements are extremely rare metals on Earth. In reality, rare earth elements are relatively common resources. The issue lies in the fact that their extraction and refinement processes are extremely complex and costly, leading them to be perceived as rare. For instance, cerium, with atomic number 58, is the 25th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. However, if the production process is not properly managed, it can result in severe environmental pollution due to byproducts and chemical substances, which is why they are not produced as extensively as other metals.
Let’s take a closer look at why rare earth elements are referred to as the “seasoning of industry” or the “vitamins of industry.” Rare earth elements are chemically very stable, resistant to dry air, have high thermal conductivity, and excellent electrical conductivity. Their effects are also highly noticeable, as even small amounts of rare earth elements can significantly improve product efficiency. Therefore, they are essential materials for high-performance IT products such as LCDs, LEDs, smartphones, computers, and optical fibers, where miniaturization and lightweight design are prioritized. As modern electronic devices become smaller and more powerful to meet consumer demands, rare earth elements have become indispensable components. Rare earth elements also have excellent radioactive shielding effects and are widely used as reactor control materials. Representative examples of rare earth element applications include lanthanum used in batteries, neodymium, the hallmark of permanent magnets for alternative energy sources, and yttrium, a component of superconductors.
If we were to use all the electronic devices we currently use without rare earth elements, they would have to be several times larger and heavier than they are now, resembling devices from about 15 years ago. This demonstrates just how powerful rare earth elements are. In addition to these technical necessities, rare earth elements are closely linked to national economies. The development of IT technology has not only driven economic growth but also intensified resource competition between nations.
Although rare earth elements are not absolutely rare metals, their deposits are distributed quite unevenly. China accounts for about 48% of the world’s rare earth reserves, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) about 17%, and the United States about 11%, with the top three countries holding 76% of the world’s rare earth reserves. However, due to the massive amount of pollutants generated during the production and refining of rare earth elements, other countries such as the United States have virtually halted production. In contrast, China continues to develop rare earth elements, producing 97% of the world’s total output and thereby monopolizing the rare earth market.
The issue of rare earth monopolization is not merely about price. Although price hikes have dealt a significant blow to our economy, if China were to suddenly halt rare earth exports, our industries would grind to a halt within just two days. The power of resource weaponization is devastating, capable of bringing an entire nation to its knees by simply restricting the supply of a single resource. As mentioned earlier, South Korea’s rare earth reserves amount to just two days’ worth.
This awareness of the crisis that could paralyze the entire industry within such a short period of time drives the search for new alternatives. And the possibility of China halting rare earth exports always exists. Therefore, we must secure rare earth reserves by focusing more on rare earth and resource recycling to minimize waste. Additionally, we must actively pursue resource diplomacy to explore new avenues for resource imports from countries other than China.
