Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Dysprosium

Dysprosium (Dy) is a high-criticality rare earth element with annual global production of approximately 1,600 tonnes. Dysprosium is a heavy rare earth element essential for maintaining the magnetic properties of neodymium permanent magnets at high temperatures. It is one of the most supply-critical elements due to extremely concentrated production in China and Myanmar. Without dysprosium additions, permanent magnets in EV motors and wind turbine generators would lose performance under operating heat conditions.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Dysprosium span multiple sectors. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets - Dysprosium is valued in neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Nuclear reactor control rods - Key alternatives include Hafnium, boron, cadmium. Dysprosium has very high neutron absorption but other materials are adequate for most reactor designs
• Laser materials - Dysprosium is valued in laser materials for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Data storage devices - Dysprosium is valued in data storage devices for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Product Forms and Specifications

Dysprosium is commercially available in 3 primary product forms, each serving different industrial requirements:

Demand Outlook

Dysprosium appears on both the USGS Critical Minerals List and the EU Critical Raw Materials List, underscoring its strategic importance across Western economies. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization is expected to place additional pressure on the Dysprosium supply chain through the end of this decade.