Rare earth elements (REE) have become synonymous with many aspects of modern technology and the electrification of everything.
MMC plans to be the partner of choice for many of the leading international manufacturers of products using rare earth oxides and metals, employing the most efficient processing techniques. MMC will offer world’s best industrial, sustainability and environmental procedures, producing the highest quality oxides and metals and offering best-practice customer service.
In our modern world, REO and REM are used in over 200 products.
In high power industrial permanent magnets used in many motors and generators, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles and washing machines. The strength of these magnets allows them to be much smaller than regular magnets which are made without REE.
In healthcare and medical devices, such as X-ray, MRI and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) devices.
In electronics, such as computer hard disks and monitors, flat screen televisions and electronic displays.
In lights, screens, and glass such as fluorescent and LED lighting, screens that range in size from smart phone displays to stadium scoreboards, and for colouring and polishing glass. Their luminescence quality makes them vital for the red-green-blue phosphors used in many light bulbs, panels, and televisions.
In steel alloys they are commonly used in the form of mixed oxide known as mischmetal. They are used in steel making to remove impurities and in the production of special alloys.
In sound and recording devices, such as electro-acoustic pick-ups, loudspeakers, microphones, headphones and transverse wave tubes (to amplify radio frequency).
REE also have applications in the aviation, aerospace and defence sectors.
REE is refined by separating it from the ore it is found in. This can involve the process of milling, whereby the ore is ground down to fine particles, then separated from any impunities. Refinement is then undertaken by various chemical techniques, a liquid process which purifies the REE. This can take place over several stages.
REO is the final product of this refining process. REO can then be smelted into REM when it is required for magnets.
Not all REE can be processed the same way as they can occur in different types of deposits, such as hard rock or in ionic clays. This necessitates different techniques, often using different chemicals.
Depending on the source of the REE, radioactive waste can be generated in the separation process. MMC is committed to ensuring the highest standards of environmental responsibly and processing safety throughout the entire production chain.
Neodymium oxide
Due to their magnetic qualities, processed REEs are usually pastel in colour.
A Neodymium metal ingot
Nd metal is an essential ingredient in permanent magnets.
