Lanthanum
Projects
Major Lanthanum Projects Worldwide
The development pipeline for Lanthanum projects spans exploration through production across multiple jurisdictions. We track 2 key projects that will shape the future supply landscape for this rare earth element.
Current Production
40,000
tonnes REO
Top Producer
China
62% share
Projects Tracked
2
Reserves
Part of total REE reserves (17M tonnes)
Lanthanum Project Pipeline
The following projects represent the most significant Lanthanum operations and development-stage assets worldwide:
Bayan Obo
Northern Rare Earths
Worlds largest rare earth mine; lanthanum is second most abundant element in output after cerium
Mt Weld
Lynas Rare Earths
Major lanthanum source; La is ~25% of the light rare earth output
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the strategic importance of Lanthanum, governments in major consuming nations have launched programs to support project development. These include direct financing, loan guarantees, streamlined permitting, and bilateral resource partnerships. As a USGS-listed critical mineral, Lanthanum projects are eligible for various U.S. government support mechanisms including the Defense Production Act Title III program. EU Critical Raw Materials Act provisions enable fast-track permitting and financing support for Lanthanum projects within the EU and partner nations.
Key Industry Developments
Recent developments affecting the Lanthanum project landscape:
Lanthanum oxide prices surged from ~$5/kg to ~$140/kg during Chinas rare earth export crisis before collapsing
WTO ruling led to removal of Chinese export quotas; lanthanum market stabilized
Toyotas gradual shift from NiMH to Li-ion in hybrids reduced a historically significant lanthanum demand source
Lanthanum oversupply continued as a challenge; like cerium, its abundance in REE ores makes it a balancing problem for NdPr-focused mining operations
More on Lanthanum
Explore other aspects of the Lanthanum value chain.
Uses & Applications
Explore uses & applications for Lanthanum.
Supply Chain
Explore supply chain for Lanthanum.
Mining & Processing
Explore mining & processing for Lanthanum.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore refining & grade specs for Lanthanum.
Recycling
Explore recycling for Lanthanum.
Substitutes
Explore substitutes for Lanthanum.
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