As rare earth elements are a group of 17 elements with many irreplaceable properties, rare earth metals can be widely used in many areas including magnets, catalysts, metal alloys, electronics, glass, ceramics, new materials and some other high-technology fields. As essential and functional materials, rare earth elements have been named “The Vitamins of Modern Industry”. In recent years, demand for rare earth has been increasing, particularly in energy efficiency (green energy) and high-technology, and the products may not only be capable of meeting the needs of being faster, lighter, smaller and more efficient, but also play an important role in developing the industries.
First, alternative energy systems such as wind power generation, fuel cells, hydrogen storage and rechargeable batteries, as well as the permanent magnets used in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, all rely on rare earths.
Rainbow Rare Earths Ltd (LON:RBW) is a mining company focussed on production from, and expansion of, the high grade Gakara Rare Earth Project in Burundi, East Africa. With in-situ grades in the range of 47-67% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO), Gakara is one of the world’s richest rare earth deposits.