Praseodymium
Praseodymium forms roughly 18 % of Nd-Pr oxide, the backbone of high-energy Nd-Fe-B magnets that drive EVs, turbines and robotics. Smaller streams colour glass yellow-green and strengthen ultra-light Mg-Pr alloys for aerospace. Prices shadow neodymium yet trade at a premium because Pr output is naturally lower. Securing reliable Pr is therefore as critical as Nd for Western “mine-to-motor” projects.
Supply Dynamics
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Co-extracted with Nd from bastnäsite and monazite; separation yields ~1 t Pr per 4 t Nd.
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China’s quota policy still sets effective ceiling on global oxide availability.
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Mountain Pass (US) and Mt Weld (AU) expansions lift non-Chinese Nd-Pr streams from 2026.
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Magnet-swarf recycling could supply 5–7 % of Pr needs by 2030.
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Supply risk moderate: light-REE deposits are geologically common, processing remains the choke-point.
Demand Dynamics
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Nd-Pr magnet growth (>12 % CAGR) links Pr directly to electrification trends.
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Pr-containing Mg-alloys lighten jet-engine casings and helicopter gearboxes.
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Pigment demand rises with architectural low-iron glass and luxury ceramics.
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SOFC and zirconia fuel-cell electrolytes use Pr as a redox stabiliser.
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Substitution risk is minimal as other REEs cannot replicate magnet-grade coercivity boost.