Rhenium
About Rhenium
Rhenium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, produced exclusively as a byproduct of molybdenum and copper mining. It is essential for single-crystal superalloys used in jet engine turbine blades, where it enables operation at extreme temperatures. Rhenium is also a critical catalyst in petroleum refining for producing high-octane, lead-free gasoline.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Re
- Atomic Number
- 75
- Category
- Refractory Metal
- Criticality Level
- High
- Supply Risk
- High
- Top Producer
- Chile
- USGS Critical List
- Not Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Rhenium In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Rhenium value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Rhenium across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Rhenium supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Rhenium 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 Rhenium products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Rhenium.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Rhenium.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Rhenium, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Rhenium pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Rhenium value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Rhenium worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Rhenium.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.