Raw materials provide the backbone of the UK’s manufacturing and tech industries. In particular, the materials that are processed to be used in technology, communications infrastructure, defence, energy and transport. 

Although much has been written about lithium and its use in electric vehicle batteries, a lesser-known but equally essential mineral is praseodymium. One of the government’s critical minerals, it has a myriad of uses and applications in manufacturing. 

 

What is praseodymium?

Praseodymium is a metallic rare earth element which is part of the lanthanide elements on the periodic table. These elements are frequently found together and have to undergo toll processing before they can be used in manufacturing. 

The silver-coloured metallic element is found in monazite sand or mined bastnäsite, which is a rock ore. It was first discovered by chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach in the 19th century when he separated it from a didymium compound of praseodymium and neodymium. 

Once separated from the other elements, praseodymium has characteristics that make it very useful in manufacturing. In particular, it is quite resistant to corrosion and only completely oxidises after a year of exposure to air. 

Other characteristics include its ductility, malleability and thermal properties, as well as electrical conductivity. However, it truly becomes essential when mixed with other metals in alloys and used in coloured glass and ceramic production. 

 

What is praseodymium used for in manufacturing?

Praseodymium has many applications in manufacturing, although it is always combined with other elements to form new chemical compounds or as an additive. 

Even though praseodymium is only used in very small amounts in these applications, it makes a substantial difference. Here are just some of its uses in the UK’s industries:

Strong alloys

Mixed with magnesium, it creates an incredibly strong alloy which is used in aircraft engine manufacturing. 

Carbon arc lights

Praseodymium is used in the conductive electrodes of carbon arc lamps. These are the lamps used by film studios and for the lights used in film projectors. 

Coloured glass and ceramics

Since the 1920s, praseodymium has been used as a glass colourant, producing a green-yellow colour. In a more refined form, it produces a yellow-orange colour on ceramics.

Strong magnets

Used as an additive in combination with neodymium, praseodymium strengthens magnetic attraction. These very strong, stable magnets are used in electric motors and in wind turbines, possibly the most vital use of the element in today’s society. 

In fact, these magnets are essential components of electric vehicles, consumer electronics, generators and robotics. Therefore, praseodymium is essential for the UK’s economic survival and growth. 

Fibre optic cables

When used as an additive to fluoride glass, praseodymium acts as an amplifier for signals travelling through fibre optic cables. These are cables used for high-speed internet and communications. 

Eye protection

Welders and glassmakers have to wear protective equipment to prevent damage to their eyes from sparks and bright light. Praseodymium oxide is part of the specialised didymium glass used in goggles and face protection as it blocks certain light wavelengths.

 

How is praseodymium processed?

There are several stages of processing involved before praseodymium can be used in manufacturing any of the products listed above. 

  • Praseodymium is mined as ore or sand, where it is found as a combination of elements
  • The ore is crushed and milled to a specific particle size, usually by a toll processing company
  • The element is then separated using a chemical solvent extraction process
  • An electrolysis process may be used as an alternative to solvents
  • A final process of refining the material leaves behind a very pure metal
  • This final product is the praseodymium oxide, which can be added to other materials for manufacturing applications

 

Where is praseodymium oxide found?

Like other rare earth metals, praseodymium is not mined in the UK. Manufacturers are dependent on imported raw materials predominantly from China, although it is also found in Australia, India, Vietnam, Russia and in the Mountain Pass Mine in the USA. 

Given how reliant the UK’s tech and manufacturing industry is on this rare metallic element, it is essential to secure the raw materials pipeline from mine to toll processing to final product. 

 

How does the UK Critical Minerals Strategy affect praseodymium?

As the UK has no deposits of any rare earth elements such as praseodymium, the country and its industries have to trade with mining companies and mineral brokers in other parts of the world. 

There are several issues with this in terms of stability of supply and the ability to meet demand. 

If the UK is overreliant on one country to supply rare earth elements, a stoppage in supply, price rises, or even a change in political regime can have a devastating impact on imports, production and therefore manufacturing. 

To prevent this, the UK government has put in place the Critical Minerals Strategy as a way of safeguarding future supplies of minerals that are critical for economic growth. The idea is not to rely on a single country but import minerals from several sources across the world. 

In doing so, the strategy aims to enable supply chain diversification and maintain a competitive advantage in the global economy for tech, infrastructure, renewables and defence.