Rare earth-high iron aluminium alloy cable production starts in China

Gansu Xibeizhiguang Cable Co. has begun producing rare earth and high iron aluminium alloy cables at their Lanzhou city facilities in China, reported industry sources.

Rare Earth Elements make the world’s strongest permanent magnets. These magnets are utilized in electric motors to produce greater power and torque. Electric motors that utilize REEs are a key component of hybrid vehicles, which will become increasingly abundant on roads throughout the world in years to come.

Most energy efficient lighting (compact fluorescent lamps) and display panels (LEDS, Plasma, LCDs) require the use of REEs as phosphors. Rare Earth Elements are also used in another form of catalyst, commonly referred to as a fluid-cracking catalyst. These are being used increasingly in the oil industry as they enhance the efficiency of separating various fractions from oil during the refining process.

The use of REEs in magnets, rechargeable batteries and catalysts accounts for > 60 per cent of REE consumption with demand expected to increase significantly in all these areas.

Gansu Xibeizhiguang Cable’s aluminium alloy cable project marks the emergence of a new end user market for rare earths elements.