DOE Critical Materials Strategy - 2011

Rare Earth Deposits & Mining / Rare Earth Exploration, Mining, Processing, & Uses

Date posted: 04/16/14

This DOE report examines the role of rare earth metals and other materials in the clean energy economy. It is an update of the 2010 Critical Materials Strategy, which highlighted the importance of certain materials to wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs), photovoltaic (PV) thin films and energy-efficient lighting. The report includes updated criticality assessments, market analyses and technology analyses to address critical materials challenges. It was prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) based on data collected and research performed during 2011. The reports highlights include: 1. Several clean energy technologies including wind turbines, EVs, PV thin films and fluorescent lighting use materials at risk of supply disruptions in the short term. Those risks will generally decrease in the medium and long terms. 2. Supply challenges for five rare earth metals (dysprosium, neodymium, terbium, europium and yttrium) may affect clean energy technology deployment in the years ahead. 3. In the past year, DOE and other stakeholders have scaled up work to address these challenges. 4. This includes new funding for priority research, development of DOEs first critical materials research plan, international workshops bringing together leading experts and substantial new coordination among federal agencies working on these topics. 5. Building workforce capabilities through education and training will help address vulnerabilities and realize opportunities related to critical materials. 6. Much more work is required in the years ahead.