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Yttrium

Yttrium is a silvery-metallic rare earth element with the chemical symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is classified as a heavy rare earth element and is typically found in association with other rare earth minerals, particularly in deposits containing yttrium-bearing minerals such as xenotime and ion-adsorption clays. Yttrium is not found as a free element in nature but occurs in various minerals alongside other rare earths, from which it must be extracted and refined through complex metallurgical processes. The element has unique physical and chemical properties that make it valuable in advanced technology applications, including its use in phosphors for LED lighting and display screens, as a component in yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) lasers, and in high-temperature superconductors. It is also used in ceramics, metal alloys, and as a stabiliser in zirconia for applications requiring high thermal resistance. Yttrium's role in modern electronics, energy-efficient lighting and defence technologies has led to its classification as a critical mineral by several governments, including the United States, owing to supply chain vulnerabilities and growing demand. Global production is concentrated in China, which dominates rare earth element mining and processing, though efforts are under way in other regions to develop alternative sources. The element was first isolated in 1828 and is named after the Swedish village of Ytterby, where several rare earth elements were first discovered.

Yttrium News


The Kasiya mine
Heavy rare earth containing monazite a potential third revenue stream for Sovereign's Kasiya
27th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

Testwork conducted on monazite concentrate recovered from Sovereign Metals' Kasyia rutile/graphite project, in Malawi, has confirmed that the heavy rare earth content of dysprosium, terbium and... 


Yangshan deepwater port in Shanghai
China cuts Japan off from some materials amid diplomatic spat
22nd May 2026 By: Reuters

China has cut Japan off from several heavy rare earths and other materials for at least four months, coinciding with a dispute between the two countries over Taiwan, suggesting Beijing is using its... 


Rare earths ore
China says rare earth controls lawful, will cooperate with US on 'reasonable' concerns
20th May 2026 By: Reuters

China will work with the US on "reasonable" concerns regarding its rare earth export controls, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday, in a statement that defended its restrictions as... 


Mixed rare earth sulphate
China agrees to address US concerns over rare earth shortages, says White House
18th May 2026 By: Reuters

China will address US concerns about shortages of certain specialty rare earths caused by Beijing's export controls, the White House said on May 17 in a factsheet outlining the major deals agreed... 


Mixed rare earth sulphate
China still drags its feet on rare earths sometimes, says Greer
15th May 2026 By: Reuters

Rare earth exports from China to the US are improving although Beijing is still slow to approve some shipments, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Thursday. China still drags its feet... 


Ore recovered from the Sheep Creek project
USCM, Bayan to undertake metallurgical test programme at Montana rare earths mine
14th May 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

US exploration and technology company US Critical Material Corp (USCM) has entered into a nonbinding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ASX-listed Bayan Mining and Minerals to jointly evaluate... 


US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping
Trump, Xi to weigh rare earth truce extension, but China's curbs still bite
13th May 2026 By: Reuters

China and the US are considering extending a truce on Chinese rare earth export curbs at a leaders' summit this week, but Chinese customs data shows Beijing is still throttling shipments of the... 


USA Rare Earth's Round Top project, in Texas
USA Rare Earths subsidiary achieves first pour of pure yttrium
16th April 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Nasdaq-listed USA Rare Earth’s UK-based subsidiary Less Common Metals has successfully poured its first commercial batch of 99% pure yttrium metal, placing it among a small group of non-Chinese... 


An image of Monte Muambe
Altona identifies heavy rare earth enrichment at Mozambique fluorspar project
14th April 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

London-listed Altona Rare Earths has identified heavy rare earths element enrichment in the Monte Muambe fluorspar and gallium ore, a possible additional value driver for this multicommodity... 


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pqt: 0.028s - ct: 1.076s - 105pq - 2rq
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