In the realm of rare earth mining, Resources and Reserves are typically expressed in terms of Rare Earth Oxide (REO), representing the desired final product of numerous mining operations. The grades of rare earth oxides are commonly articulated as either parts per million (ppm) or percentages (%) of Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO), wherein:

Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO):

TREO is the cumulative measurement of the oxides belonging to both heavy rare earth elements (HREO) and light rare earth elements (LREO).

Critical Rare Earth Oxide (CREO):

CREO comprises a collection of oxides defined by the US Department of Energy in December 2011 as critical, owing to their significance in meeting clean energy demands and their associated supply risks. This category includes the oxides of Nd, Dy, Eu, Y, and Tb.

Magnet Rare Earth Oxide (MREO):

MREO consists of a group of rare earth oxides extensively utilized in the production of high-temperature Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets, renowned for their robustness and strength. MREO specifically includes the oxides of Nd, Pr, Dy, and Tb.

Light Rare Earth Oxide (LREO):

LREO represents the collective oxides of the light rare earth elements. Comparatively less common than their heavy counterparts, HREO, LREO tends to have higher market value.

Their application usages span across a wide spectrum, from mobile phones and electric cars to medical equipment. Neodymium serves as the primary light rare earth in the production of permanent magnets, extensively utilized in data storage systems and wind turbines.

A noteworthy light rare earth metal is praseodymium. It contributes to the formation of alloys with magnesium, essential for crafting aircraft engines. Additionally, praseodymium finds applications in the film industry, particularly in studio lighting and various projects. Similar to numerous rare earth metals, Praseodymium is integral in the manufacturing of permanent magnets.

Heavy Rare Earth Oxide (HREO):

HREO Heavy rare earth metals distinguish themselves by possessing higher atomic weights compared to light rare earths. They are characterized by lower abundance, with certain elements within this category experiencing shortages due to escalating demand outpacing available supply. The comprehensive list of heavy rare earths comprises Dysprosium, Yttrium, Terbium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Yttrium, and Lutetium.

Critical elements in the heavy rare earth metals group, such as dysprosium, yttrium, and terbium, confront challenges related to low supply and growing significance in the advancement of clean energy technologies. Similar to light rare earths, heavy rare earths play a pivotal role in various technologies, including hybrid cars, fiber optics, and medical devices.

Dysprosium, specifically, plays a crucial role in conjunction with Neodymium in magnets essential for modern technology and renewable energy applications. Moreover, dysprosium oxide finds application in nuclear reactors to aid in cooling fuel rods and maintaining control over reactions.