Identification of the top 10 companies in the market for rare earths, and
the rationale behind these selections.
Factors taken into account, including technical innovation, market
leadership, and commitment to this market via investment in products.
When selecting these top 10 companies, BCC Research looked across the
industry spectrum and selected the most active and significant contributors
while recognizing that there are many other contenders. Some of these
“significant others” are included but to a less-detailed extent
than the top 10 companies.
SAMPLE FIGURE
GLOBAL MARKET FOR RARE EARTHS, 2009-2016
(METRIC TONS - REO EQUIVALENT)
Source: BCC Research
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Rare earths are a group of 17 metallic elements that have similar chemical
structures with unique properties. BCC has followed the rare earth market for
more than 15 years, reporting on all the latest technical and market
developments. During this period, consumption of these materials has expanded
by a factor of three and many new products containing these elements have been
introduced. With this study, BCC Research continues its commitment to
monitoring the rare earth market with a special focus on the companies
actively engaged in the mining, separation, production, and distribution of
rare earths.
This study highlights the details of the top ten companies and the details of
their mines and products as well as technology advancements, executives and
present financial situations of these companies. Some acknowledgement is made
of how the geopolitical scene plays into the production and utilization of
rare earths and the newer combinations of materials that are being
investigated.
REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY
The first rare earths were discovered in the late 1700s, although commercial
applications for these materials remained limited until the 1960s. During the
last 50 years, due to the ongoing development of new applications, utilization
of rare earths has steadily increased. Technologically advanced devices used
in the automobile, defense, metallurgy, electronics and optoelectronics,
chemical, energy, and other fields owe some of their outstanding properties to
the presence of rare earths.
Once the United States was the world's leading supplier but the mine was
closed for environmental reasons. The Chinese then became dominant in
production. The principal reason for doing this study is to provide an updated
and comprehensive assessment of the rare earth producers, particularly as it
relates to the evaluation of mining projects worldwide, current and future
availability of rare earths, and the status of companies that may change the
availability and pricing of rare earths.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Both primary and secondary research methodologies were used to obtain market
data and analyze the overall market and market segments. All tables of
composite production evaluation are referenced to the original report
published by BCC Research as AVM018G in January 2012.
The technology section of this report is based on information derived from
technical literature, related BCC reports, professional journals, the author's
field of experience, contact with embassy liaison officials, and online
sources.
The original global market analysis was performed by analyzing 127 suppliers
of rare earths, accounting for at least 90% of the global market. Data for
each company were obtained by thoroughly analyzing Security and Exchange
Commission (SEC) filings, Internet websites, annual reports, industry
directories, industry magazines and catalogs, government sources, and other
public sources.
Additional data were obtained from the direct contribution of primary sources,
including: company executives, managers, engineers and other technical
personnel representing suppliers of rare earths and rare earth - based
products; representatives of academia and trade associations; and industry
market analysts.
Other sources of information include:
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Filings.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
European Patent Office.
Company websites.
Company annual reports.
Yahoo Financial.
Hoover's Company Information.
S & P Industry Survey.
Bloomberg's Businessweek.
In addition to utilizing the above primary and secondary sources, market
growth trends and forecasts were compiled by gaining additional insights from
relevant financial and market information, and relevant BCC Research reports.
CUSTOM ANALYSES
BCC Research provides custom research studies tailored to our clients' needs
in areas related to the subject research material, but perhaps not covered in
detail in this report.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
Anna Welch Crull, scientist, business analyst, and experienced
consultant, is qualified in electrochemistry, polymers, membrane materials,
and advanced materials. She a broad business background and has worked with
BCC (now BCC Research) for 31 years and authored more than 115
technical/marketing and business reports, helped newsletters, and assisted in
numerous special consulting studies and conferences for more than 35
corporations and intelligence for the U.S. government entities. She has
worked for the U.S. Army Materials Command on rocket science, propellants,
membranes, and explosives. Ms. Crull is a graduate of the School of
Engineering, University of Mississippi and holds a Masters Degree in Chemistry
from the University of Missouri.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Top Ten Companies in Rare Earths
Chapter - 1: INTRODUCTION - Complimentary
STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
REASONS FOR DOING THIS STUDY
INTENDED AUDIENCE
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
RELATED BCC RESEARCH STUDIES
CUSTOM ANALYSES
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
BCC ON-LINE SERVICES
DISCLAIMER
Chapter - 2: SUMMARY
Table Summary: GLOBAL MARKET FOR RARE EARTHS, THROUGH 2016
Figure Summary: GLOBAL MARKET FOR RARE EARTHS, 2009-2016
