Charlotte McLeod presents a collection of articles from Critical Metals Investing News looking at the companies shaping the investment opportunity. The 17 elements that make up the group of rare earth metals are as diverse in their applications as they are challenging to pronounce. They are often broken up into two categories according to their atomic weight on the periodic table ... light and heavy rare earths. Some of the common light rare earths are of less value than heavies on the market, yet are in higher demand. While the heavies are of high value many of the elements have smaller markets. The concern of those looking to invest in rare earth mining operations is the relative value of the various minerals in the ground. Often analysts focus on just one side of the equation, favoring companies with high levels of heavies or lights in determining relative value. In an interview with Rare Earth Investing News, Ryan Fletcher Director of Zimtu Capital, and Chris Grove of Commerce Resources, explain the subtleties of investing in a market with 17 different metals. Prospective investors simply looking at resource estimates of heavy and lights may be shortsighted as demand, and therefore value, for the elements fluctuates.
The rare earth market is dynamic. What is in demand right now, and what will be required in five years is constantly evolving, stated Ryan Fletcher. Investors should look at the most in-demand elements within the group, especially those that may face supply deficits in the coming years. Fletcher explained how attitudes toward the elements are changing. At the International Rare Earth Conference in Hong Kong last year, the focus was on the Big Five rare earths ... neodymium, praseodymium, europium, terbium, and dysprosium. Yttrium should also be mentioned with these due to its use by the plastics industry, as well as its predicted supply deficit by 2015.
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