8 September 2025

NdPr oxide: magnet demand, separation chemistry and the thorium challenge

Key insights from this briefing

Why can rare earths be expensive even though many are not geologically rare?

The cost is driven largely by processing rather than simple crustal abundance. Rare earths commonly occur together at relatively low concentrations and require complex separation and purification. Some ores, particularly monazite, also contain thorium, creating additional waste-handling, regulatory and environmental costs.

Why are neodymium and praseodymium important to permanent magnets?

Neodymium and praseodymium are major constituents of high-strength rare earth magnets rather than trace additives. Together they can account for roughly 30% of magnet mass, providing the magnetic performance required in electric motors, wind turbines, defence systems and other high-performance applications.

Excerpt from this briefing's Industry Insight

Rare earth criticality comes from difficult separation, purification and concentrated processing. Neodymium and praseodymium are substantial constituents of high-strength permanent magnets, while monazite feedstocks can contain thorium that adds radiation-management and waste-handling requirements. High-purity products therefore require complex chemistry, energy-intensive processing and careful management of hazardous residues. The strategic constraint is created by the capability required to turn mixed mineral feedstocks into separated, purified materials suitable for magnets and other advanced applications.

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