Five years ago, News/North and many other papers for that matter, had never printed the words ‘Rare Metals’.

David Connelly CD, MBA, BComm. is a long time northern consultant who specializes in implementing economic development opportunities. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Avalon Rare Metals Inc. - NNSL file photo

There still is no generally-accepted definition... even on Wikipedia! Several new terms try to capture the notion of rare metals. These terms are generally based either on their application, their importance or how they are sold… such as: technology metals; critical metal; strategic metals; green metals; rare earth metals; or minor metals.

The meaning of rare metals keeps changing as science advances. One of today’s more common metals, aluminum, was once a rare metal. It is agreed ’rare metals’ do not include: precious, ferrous, non-ferrous, base or radioactive metals.

The rare metals generally have unique material properties that enable new applications that the more common metals cannot meet. Most rare metals are also more difficult to extract and process than the more common metals.

Today, there are about 40 metals that fall under the general category of ‘rare metals’. About 26 of these can be mined directly; metals such as: tungsten, lithium, bismuth, tantalum; titanium, cobalt, niobium; zirconium, gallium and the 17 rare earths metals. All 26 of these metals can be found at projects in the storehouse of Canada’s Territories. The other 14 metals are by-products of processing of copper and tin and other more common metals.

The unique chemical, mechanical, magnetic and optical properties make it difficult to find substitutes for many rare metals. And in many cases, it takes only small amounts of a rare metal, as an alloying or doping agent, to accomplish a lot.

Most rare metals, including the rare earth metals, are not actually rare, but it is rare to find them in amounts and concentrations that are economic to extract and process. Currently many rare metals come from a limited number of countries such as China (e.g. rare earths) or conflict regions like Congo. Some of the more promising resources are in politically stable economies like Canada. The markets for rare metals have been too small to attract the interest of large mining companies so most projects are being developed by junior companies.

Demand continues to grow as new energy-efficient and hi-tech applications emerge. Governments and industry across Europe, Japan, the United States and Korea have already recognised the growing need for and tight supply of those rare metals that are ‘critical’ or ’strategic’ to: industry; to the the implementation of carbon footprint reducing technologies and environmental protection goals, and their national interests such as hi-tech jobs and value-added production. Hence, the use of the terms ’Critical Metals’ and ’Strategic Metals’.

And why the use of the reference of ‘Technology Metals’ or ‘Green Metals... because rare metals are enabling the rapid development and implementation of technology advances in electronics, communication, water purification; hybrid and electric vehicles; lighting, solar, wind and hydro power, health care energy storage (batteries), and catalysts.

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