Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Lanthanum

Lanthanum (La) is a high-criticality rare earth element with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Lanthanum is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Lanthanum span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Petroleum refining catalysts — Lanthanum plays a vital role in petroleum refining catalysts, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Hybrid vehicle batteries (NiMH) — Lanthanum plays a vital role in hybrid vehicle batteries (nimh), where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Camera and telescope lenses — Lanthanum plays a vital role in camera and telescope lenses, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Hydrogen storage alloys — Lanthanum plays a vital role in hydrogen storage alloys, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Phosphors for lighting — Lanthanum plays a vital role in phosphors for lighting, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Lanthanum is petroleum refining catalysts, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is hybrid vehicle batteries (nimh), which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Lanthanum in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of high and a supply risk rating of high, the demand trajectory for Lanthanum is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.