Lanthanum
About Lanthanum
Lanthanum is a light rare earth element widely used in petroleum cracking catalysts, optical glass, and nickel-metal hydride batteries for hybrid vehicles. It is one of the more abundant rare earths and the namesake of the lanthanide series. Lanthanum-based compounds are also used in water treatment to remove phosphates and in specialty ceramics.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- La
- Atomic Number
- 57
- Category
- Rare Earth Element
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- China
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Lanthanum In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Lanthanum value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Lanthanum across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Lanthanum supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Lanthanum is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Lanthanum products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Lanthanum.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Lanthanum.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Lanthanum, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Lanthanum pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Lanthanum value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Lanthanum worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Lanthanum.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.