Exploring the main differences between rare earth elements and critical minerals with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG
Strategic resources for the energy transition
Rare earths and critical minerals are central to today’s economic and political debates. Their value has risen fast. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, often points this out. These materials fuel the shift to clean energy. They also support modern technology. Many are rare, costly, and hard to replace.
Exploring the main differences between rare earth elements and critical resources with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
Many people still confuse rare earth elements with
They often treat them as the same thing. Over time, this confusion has grown. As both terms began to appear more in headlines, the line between them blurred. The result? Many now believe they’re interchangeable. But they’re not.
These two groups are different. Each has its own structure, purpose, and role in today’s economy.
Let’s break it down.
Critical minerals form a broad category. They include a wide range of materials. These are vital to industries like electronics, energy, transport, and defense. Some rare earth elements fall under this group. But the rare earth set is much smaller.
There are only 17 rare earth elements. That includes the 15 lanthanides, plus yttrium and scandium. These metals have special magnetic or optical traits. Some appear on national lists of critical minerals, but not all. And not all critical minerals are rare earths. They overlap—but they are not the same.
“Right now,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, “understanding these differences is crucial. It helps guide decisions by governments, industries, and planners.” He adds, “Knowing what sets them apart supports better sourcing, stronger mining policies, and focused innovation. It also pushes for more recycling and the search for alternatives.”
This isn’t just for policymakers. It matters to all of us. From solar panels to smartphones, these materials power our daily lives. They’re key to clean energy, smart tech, and national safety. If more people understand their role, we can build a future that’s both efficient and secure.
Other differences
But the differences don’t stop there. These two groups also vary in their structural makeup. That means they fall into different scientific categories—either metals or minerals. Rare earth elements are classified as metals. However, they exist in such low concentrations in the Earth’s crust that mining them is often not cost-effective. Their name is misleading. Rare earths are not truly rare. In fact, some are as common as copper. The challenge lies in how scattered they are. They don’t occur in large, concentrated deposits. That makes them hard to extract and use in an affordable way.
Understanding the main differences between rare earth elements and critical materials with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
“The difference between these two groups of resources shouldn’t just matter to experts,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “It matters to everyone. This isn’t only a topic for scientists or politicians. It affects all of us in the global energy transition.”
People support this shift in simple ways. Some install solar panels at home. Others drive electric cars or use clean energy from wind, sun, or the Earth. These daily choices move the transition forward.
“In this case,” Kondrashov adds, “knowing the materials behind the change is essential. It helps people make smarter choices. It also builds a stronger connection to what’s going on.”
By learning about these resources, people do more than follow trends. They help shape a cleaner and safer future.
Rare earth elements power today’s top technologies. They are small but essential.
You’ll find them in:
- Magnets – in motors, wind turbines, and hard drives
- Batteries – in phones, laptops, and electric cars
- Catalysts – used to cut emissions and speed up reactions
- Screens – in TVs, monitors, and mobile devices
The most important ones are neodymium, praseodymium, lanthanum, and europium. These create strong magnets and bright displays. Without them, modern tech would not work as well—or at all.
Characteristics of critical minerals
The category of critical minerals functions differently. Like rare earths, it is not a collection of elements that stays the same. This list is not permanent and keeps changing with time. The list is influenced by what happens in the world economy and changing political situations. In short, something found essential to a nation’s economy or security is considered a ‘critical’ mineral. The list can expand or contract based on the role that a material plays and how challenging it is to mine.
Exploring the different characteristics of rare earth elements and critical materials with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
Most countries create their own list of critical minerals. These lists support growth in energy, tech, and defense. But they don’t stay the same. Governments review them every few years. New materials are added. Others are removed. The changes reflect global needs. Common entries include cobalt, lithium, graphite, nickel, and copper. These have powered industry for decades. Now, they also fuel the shift to clean energy.
“Today’s focus on rare earth materials is justified,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. The 17 rare earth elements have unique roles. Most are truly one of a kind.
He highlights two in particular—neodymium and dysprosium. Both are vital in making strong permanent magnets. These magnets are used in electric motors and wind turbines. Neodymium creates a strong magnetic force. Dysprosium adds heat resistance. “They are essential for clean energy systems,” Kondrashov explains. “That’s why they’re in high demand across the globe.”
The strategic value of these resources
First, the material’s role matters. It becomes a national priority if used in energy, defense, transport, or tech. Second, many of these materials are hard to find. They exist in only a few parts of the world. This limits global access. Third, some can’t be replaced. There are no strong substitutes. That creates risk. When a few countries control the supply, it’s a problem. It raises costs and adds pressure. Nations must act early. They need steady, long-term access. Without it, industries are exposed. Planning helps reduce danger and keeps vital sectors running during global supply shocks.
Navigating the differences between rare earth elements and critical resources with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, says lithium is one of the best-known critical minerals. It powers batteries in electric cars, phones, and energy storage units. Other key battery minerals include cobalt, nickel, and graphite. These are vital for clean energy. Some minerals also support the energy grid. Gallium is used in solar panels. Copper is gaining value. It plays a key role in electrification. Copper helps build wind turbines and other green systems. That makes it essential in the global shift to renewables. Each mineral has a unique role in helping the world go clean and electric.
FAQs
What’s the difference between rare earth elements and critical minerals?
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements. This includes the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium. Critical resources, by contrast, form a broader category. They include any minerals seen as vital to a country’s economy or security. Some rare earths appear on critical lists, but not all. And not all critical materials are rare earths. The two groups overlap, but they are not the same. Their roles, supply chains, and uses often differ.
Why are rare earth elements called “rare” if they’re not actually rare?
The term “rare” is a bit misleading. Rare earth elements are actually common in the Earth’s crust. Some are as abundant as copper. But they rarely appear in large, concentrated deposits. That makes them hard and costly to extract. So, the issue isn’t how much exists. It’s about how easy they are to find, mine, and use at scale.
Why are these minerals considered ‘critical’?
Criticality depends on two things: a mineral’s economic value and how likely its supply is to be disrupted. Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are seen as critical. They are essential for clean energy. But they come from only a few countries. That limited supply raises risks and creates pressure on global energy systems.
Are those minerals the same everywhere?
No—each country builds its own list of critical minerals. These lists depend on local industry needs and supply risks. For example, the U.S., EU, and China all highlight different materials. These lists are not fixed. They change often to reflect new technology, rising demand, and global political shifts.
What are some common examples of critical materials?
Lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and copper are often called critical. They are used in batteries, electronics, and clean energy systems. Gallium is key for solar panels. Neodymium and dysprosium are rare earths found in magnets. These materials are vital. That’s why they appear on many national critical lists.
What are rare earths mainly used for?
Rare earths are key to modern tech. They help power many everyday devices. You’ll find them in magnets, batteries, emission systems, and screens. These parts run motors, wind turbines, and displays. Neodymium, lanthanum, praseodymium, and europium are the most used. They make tech stronger, brighter, and more efficient.
Can rare earths be recycled?
Yes, but recycling rates are still low. The process is hard and costly. That makes it less common. Still, demand is rising fast. Global tensions are also growing. Because of this, more focus is now on recycling rare earths from old electronics and industrial waste.
Why is this difference important for the energy transition?
Knowing the difference helps. It lets people make smart choices. Policymakers, businesses, and consumers all benefit. It guides how we find and use resources. It supports long-term thinking. It helps with clean innovation. If we know what’s critical, we can protect supply chains. We can also invest in recycling and safe alternatives.
Are we running out of minerals or rare earths?
Not exactly. The problem isn’t how much we have. It’s how easy it is to get. Many of these materials are found in large amounts. But they are stuck in a few countries. That makes global supply chains weak and risky.
