Critical Raw Materials

map

Field / industry	Specific application
Energy	Lithium-ion batteries, Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries; Batteries for smartphones, laptops, electronic devices; Batteries for electric vehicles (EV)
Glass and ceramics industry	Heat-resistant glass (e.g., glass-ceramic cooktops); Glass for smartphones and tablets; Optical glass
Lubricants	Lithium greases
Chemical industry	Lithium carbonate, hydroxide, catalysts
Aerospace industry	Lightweight constructions
Medicine	Lithium salts (psychiatry)
Nuclear industry	Isotopes and cooling systems

Field / industry	Specific application
Batteries and energy	Cathodes for Li-ion batteries (EV, electronics)
Aerospace and military	Superalloys, turbines, jet engines
Metallurgy	Tool steels, hard-alloy materials
Medicine	Radiotherapy (Co-60), implants
Chemistry and pigments	Catalysts, cobalt blue pigments
Electronics and magnets	Samarium-cobalt magnets, HDD components

Field / industry	Specific application
Metallurgy	Stainless steel, alloys, coatings
Batteries	Cathodes for Li-ion, EV batteries
Aerospace and Energy	Superalloys for turbines and engines
Chemical industry	Reactors, catalysts
Galvanic coatings	Nickel plating for protection and appearance
Electronics and magnets	Magnetic materials, components
Monetary industry	Nickel alloy coins
Special chemicals	Nickel salts and activators

Field / industry	Specific application
Batteries and energy	Anodes for Li-ion batteries (EV, electronics)
Metallurgy	Refractory materials, crucibles, casting molds
Lubricants	Dry and high-temperature lubricants
Electronics	Electrodes, graphite brushes, current collectors
Industrial applications	Brakes, pencils, seals, composites
Chemical industry	Reactors, heat exchangers
Aerospace	Carbon-graphite composites, heat shields
Nuclear energy	Neutron moderators

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics	Semiconductors (GaAs, GaN), chips, high-frequency transistors
Telecommunications	5G, radars, microwave amplifiers
Optoelectronics	LEDs, lasers, photovoltaics
Aerospace	Space solar cells, communications, radar systems
Chemical industry	Catalysts, heat exchange materials
Medicine	Radiopharmaceuticals (Ga-67), diagnostics
Displays and optics	OLED/MicroLED, backlights

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics and semiconductors	Microprocessors, transistors, integrated circuits, solar cells
Metallurgy and alloys	Improvement of strength, thermal resistance, and corrosion resistance of alloys
Chemical industry	Production of silicones, polymers, catalysts
Photovoltaics / Renewable Energy	Solar panels, photovoltaic cells, infrared devices
Оптика и специални технологии	Инфрачервени лещи, лазерни системи, специални оптични компоненти
Aviation and space industry	Lightweight and durable structural elements

Field / industry	Specific application
Aviation and space industry	Structural elements of aircraft, fuselages, engines, spacecraft
Medical industry	Implants (joints, bones, teeth), surgical instruments
Maritime and chemical industry	Ships, submarines, pipelines, tanks for aggressive chemicals
Sports and high technology	Bicycles, sports cars, tennis rackets, yacht components
Energy	Components for nuclear reactors, offshore wind turbines, high-temperature and corrosion-resistant equipment

Field / industry	Specific application
Metalworking and toolmaking industry	Cutting, drilling, turning; electrodes and welding wires
Energy and lighting	Wires for electric and halogen lamps; cathodes for vacuum tubes and X-ray tubes
Aerospace and military industry	Ballistic projectiles, armor-piercing projectiles, jet engine parts
Chemical and high-tech industry	Catalysts for chemical reactions; superalloys for turbines and jet engines
Medical and scientific equipment	X-ray tubes, radiation shields, weights, and balancing devices

Field / industry	Specific application
Aerospace and aviation	Lightweight and strong structure for aircraft and spacecraft, increased heat and corrosion resistance
Nuclear energy	Control of nuclear reactions – control rods, coolant mixtures
Chemical industry	Anti-friction additives, catalysts, synthetic resins, borosilicate glass, refractory materials, and ceramics
Electronics and high technology	P-type semiconductors, hard magnetic materials, superalloys for improving mechanical properties
Medical and biotechnology	Boron neutron capture therapy for cancer, targeting cancer cells with neutrons

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics and electrical engineering	Cables and wires, electronic components, connectors
Construction industry	Water pipes and fittings, roofing materials, heat exchangers
Mechanical engineering and industrial alloys	Bearings, gears, pipes, fittings, marine and chemical resistance
Energy and renewable energy	Solar panels, wind turbine generators, electricity transmission
Coin minting and decorative items	Coins, medals, jewelry, decorative items

Field / industry	Specific application
Aviation and space industry	Structural elements of aircraft and spacecraft, engine parts, fuselages
Construction and architecture industry	Roofs, facades, window frames, panels for bridges and engineering structures
Transport and automotive industry	Ships, trains, cars, frames, and panels for weight reduction
Energy and electrical engineering	High-voltage transmission cables, transformers, electrical equipment
Packaging industry	Food and beverage packaging, boxes, corrosion-resistant packaging
Mechanical engineering and industrial alloys	Parts for machines, engines, pipes, and chemical equipment resistant to corrosion

Field / industry	Specific application
Aviation and space industry	Panels, frames, aircraft and spacecraft bodies
Automotive industry	Wheels, panels, engine covers, lightweight structural elements
Electronics and electrical engineering	Cases for laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices
Construction and infrastructure	Structural elements, panels, and frames to reduce weight and increase strength
Chemical industry	Refractory materials, catalysts, anti-corrosion additives in alloys

Field / industry	Specific application
Metalworking and steel production	Alloying steel to increase hardness, strength, and wear resistance; reduces brittleness
Batteries and electrochemical industry	Cathode material for alkaline and lithium-ion batteries, electronics, automotive batteries, and tools
Chemical industry	Disinfection, oxidation reactions, laboratory applications, pigment production, and glass decolorization
Aluminum and other alloys	Increasing the strength and corrosion resistance of alloys, mechanical improvements
Biotechnology and food industry	Microelement for humans and animals, additives in feed and food products, participation in enzymatic processes

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics and semiconductors	Infrared detectors, thermal imaging, high-frequency electronic components
Metallurgy and alloys	Hardening of lead alloys (batteries, cables, bullets), anti-friction alloys for bearings, printing metal
Fireproof materials	Fire retardant additives in plastics, rubber, textiles, insulation, paints
Glass and ceramics industry	Discoloration and matting of glass, glazes, and enamels
Chemical industry	Pigments, stabilizers, catalysts
Medicine (limited)	Antiparasitic drugs (rarely used today due to toxicity)

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics and semiconductors	High-frequency electronic components, lasers, LEDs, photodiodes, solar cells, infrared detectors
Metallurgy and alloys	Hardening of lead and copper alloys, improving corrosion resistance, use in lead batteries
Woodworking and construction (limited)	Wood preservation, protection against rot and insects (nowadays almost banned)
Chemical and pigment industry	Pigments, glassmaking (decoloring and clarifying), catalysts in organic reactions
Agriculture (historical)	Pesticides and fungicides (now banned)
Medicine	Treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (strictly controlled use)
Geology and metal mining	Participates in the extraction and processing of sulfide ores of copper, gold, and silver.

Field / industry	Specific application
Extraction of fossil fuels	Weighting agent in drilling fluids (increases density)
Chemical industry	Production of barium salts (BaCO₃, BaCl₂, ferrites)
Medicine	Contrast agent for X-ray examinations
Paints and coatings	Filler and weighting agent, production of lithopone
Rubber and plastics	Filler for increased resistance and density
Glass and ceramics	Increases chemical resistance, optical properties
Heavy concrete	Radiation screens, protective structures

Field / industry	Specific application
Aerospace and defense industry	Structural elements, components for rockets, satellites, navigation systems
Optics and scientific instruments	Mirrors for telescopes, laser devices, X-ray detectors
Electronics and telecommunications	Contacts, springs, connectors, RF devices
Nuclear industry	Neutron moderators and reflectors
Automotive industry	ABS components, airbags, sensors
Energy and mechanical engineering	Spark-free tools, durable springs, drills
Specialized equipment	Parts for medical devices, detectors, vibration elements

Field / industry	Specific application
Chemical industry	Freons, fluorinated organic compounds
Polymer industry	Teflon, seals, non-stick coatings
Glass and ceramics industry	Flux, optical glass, glazes
Metalworking industry	Flux for aluminum, magnesium, rare metals
Water supply and healthcare	Water fluoridation, toothpaste
Nuclear industry	UF₆ for uranium enrichment
Pharmaceutical industry	Synthesis of fluorinated drugs
Electronics	Insulating layers, coatings, dielectrics

Field / industry	Specific application
Nuclear industry	Control rods for nuclear reactors (neutron absorber)
Aerospace industry	Turbine components, rocket engines, space systems
Electronics and semiconductors	HfO₂ as a dielectric for transistors and integrated circuits
Alloys and special materials	Additive in superalloys for heat and corrosion resistance
Optics and ceramics	Optical coatings, high-temperature ceramic materials

Field / industry	Specific application
Medicine	Cooling of superconducting magnets in MRI machines
Scientific research	Cryogenic systems and experimental equipment
Aerospace industry	Pressurization and purging of rocket propulsion systems
Balloon and advertising industry	Filling balloons and airships
Electronics	Semiconductor manufacturing and protective atmosphere
Welding	Inert shielding gas for TIG and MIG welding
Energy	Coolant in nuclear reactors
Deep-sea diving	Breathing mixtures (heliox) for divers
Detecting leaks	Gas for leak testing of systems

Field / industry	Specific application
Metallurgy	Microalloying of steels for increased strength, corrosion resistance, and reduced weight
Mechanical engineering	Production of high-strength structural elements and pipelines
Aerospace industry	Heat-resistant alloys for aircraft and rocket engines
Energy	Superconducting magnets and energy systems
Electronics	Capacitors and electronic components
Medical equipment	Biocompatible implants and medical instruments
Nuclear industry	Details about nuclear reactors due to low neutron absorption
Scientific equipment	Superconductors (Nb-Ti, Nb₃Sn) for MRI and particle accelerators
Agriculture	Production of mineral fertilizers (superphosphate, ammonium phosphate)

Field / industry	Specific application
Ceramic industry	Tiles, porcelain, sanitary ware, clay flux
Glass industry	Glass (window, container, optical), melting control
Painting and filling industry	Filler in paints, varnishes, plastics
Abrasive industry	Part of abrasive mixtures and grinding materials
Construction	Additive in cement and concrete, improving mechanical properties
Optics and laboratory glassware	Lenses, filters, laboratory supplies

Field / industry	Specific application
Automotive industry	Catalytic converters for exhaust gas purification
Chemical industry	Hydrogenation and oxidation of organic compounds, production of medicines
Electronics and high technology	Contacts, capacitors, thermocouples, sensors, and microprocessors
Jewelry and decorative items	Noble jewelry, white gold coating, increased hardness and shine
Medicine and laboratory applications	Chemotherapy (cisplatin), biosensors, laboratory reactors
Energy and nuclear industry	Electrodes for fuel cells, electrolysis, catalysts, and alloys for high temperatures and corrosion

Field / industry	Specific application
Automotive industry	Catalytic converters for exhaust gas purification
Chemical industry	Hydrogenation and oxidation of organic compounds, production of medicines
Electronics and high technology	Contacts, capacitors, thermocouples, sensors, and microprocessors
Jewelry and decorative items	Noble jewelry, white gold coating, increased hardness and shine
Medicine and laboratory applications	Chemotherapy (cisplatin), biosensors, laboratory reactors
Energy and nuclear industry	Electrodes for fuel cells, electrolysis, catalysts, and alloys for high temperatures and corrosion

Field / industry	Specific application
Chemical industry	Raw material for phosphoric acid and phosphorus compounds
Food and beverage industry	Food additives (stabilizers, acidity regulators – E339–E343)
Detergent production	Water softening and increasing the effectiveness of laundry detergents
Metallurgy	Phosphating of metals for corrosion protection
Construction	Production of phosphate cements and refractory materials
Medicine and pharmacy	Medicines, food supplements, and buffer solutions
Water purification	Prevention of scale formation in pipelines
Cosmetics industry	Stabilizers and emulsifiers in cosmetic products
Metallurgy	Alloying element in aluminum alloys for increased strength and corrosion resistance

Field / industry	Specific application
Aviation industry	Lightweight and strong aluminum-scandium alloys for aircraft structures
Space industry	Structural elements with high thermal and mechanical resistance
Energy	Components for solid oxide fuel cells (Sc₂O₃)
Lighting equipment	Metal halide lamps for stadiums and industrial lighting
Electronics	Specialized ceramics and electronic components
Scientific research	Materials for laboratory and experimental applications
Military industry	High-strength and lightweight materials for specialized equipment
Chemical industry	Production of strontium salts (SrCO₃, Sr(NO₃)₂)

Field / industry	Specific application
Pyrotechnics	Red coloring of fireworks and signal flares
Glass industry	Special glass and ceramics (screens, optical glass)
Electronics	Ferrite magnets and electronic components
Ceramics production	Glazes and ceramic materials
Metallurgy	Improvement of the properties of aluminum and zinc alloys
Medicine	Radioactive strontium (Sr-89) for the treatment of bone metastases
Oil and gas industry	Markers and additives in drilling fluids
Scientific research	Laboratory and analytical applications
Electronics	Production of tantalum capacitors for mobile phones, computers, and electronics

Field / industry	Specific application
Metallurgy	Alloying element for obtaining high-strength and corrosion-resistant alloys
Chemical industry	Equipment and vessels resistant to aggressive chemicals
Aerospace industry	Heat-resistant alloys for aircraft and rocket engines
Medical equipment	Implants and surgical instruments (biocompatible material)
Energy	Components for nuclear reactors and heat exchangers
Mechanical engineering	Details operating at high temperatures and pressures
Scientific research	Laboratory equipment and specialized devices
Metallurgy	Alloying element in steels for increased strength, wear resistance, and hardness

Field / industry	Specific application
Mechanical engineering	Manufacture of tools, shafts, and gear wheels
Automotive industry	High-strength steels for chassis, axles, and engine parts
Aerospace industry	Titanium-vanadium alloys for aircraft and rocket structures Catalysts (V2O5) in sulfuric acid production
Energy	Vanadium redox batteries for electricity storage
Construction	Reinforcing and structural steels
Scientific research	Specialized materials and laboratory applications
Metallurgy	Low-melting alloys for fuses and automatic fire extinguishers

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics	Lead-free alloys for soldering in electronic devices
Medical industry	Medicines for gastrointestinal disorders (bismuth subsalicylate)
Pharmacy	Active ingredient in antimicrobial preparations
Cosmetics industry	Pigments (bismuth oxychloride) for decorative cosmetics
Chemical industry	Production of bismuth compounds
Nuclear energy	Cooling alloys (lead–bismuth) in nuclear reactors
Mechanical engineering	Additive in alloys to improve machinability
Scientific research	Thermoelectric materials and experimental applications

Field / industry	Specific application
Energy	Nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) for hybrid vehicles
Chemical industry	Catalysts for oil refining (FCC catalysts)
Optics	High-quality optical lenses, cameras, telescopes

Field / industry	Specific application
Automotive industry	Catalysts for exhaust gas purification
Glass industry	Polishing powders for LCD screens, optical glass
Energy	Fuel additives and combustion improvement

Field / industry	Specific application
High-tech industry	Permanent magnets (Nd-Fe-B magnets)
Aviation	Alloys for aircraft engines
Glassmaking	Glass tinting and UV filtration

Field / industry	Specific application
Renewable energy	Permanent magnets for wind turbines
Electric vehicles	Magnets for electric motors
Defense industry	Guidance systems, sensors

Field / industry	Specific application
Defense and space	Samarium-cobalt magnets (SmCo) – resistant to high temperatures
Nuclear energy	Neutron absorbers in nuclear reactors
Electronics	Microwave devices

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics	Red and blue phosphor materials that create red light (monitors, televisions, phone displays, tablets, etc.)

Field / industry	Specific application
Renewable energy	Additive to Nd-Fe-B magnets to increase resistance at high temperatures (wind turbines)
Electric vehicles	Magnets for electric motors with high thermal resistance
Defense industry	Precision drives and guidance systems

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics	High coercivity magnets (Nd-Fe-B + Tb)
Lighting	Green phosphors for LEDs and displays
Defense	Sensors and electro-optical systems

Field / industry	Specific application
Electronics	Phosphors for LED, LCD, and plasma displays
Ceramic industry	Stabilized zirconia ceramic (YSZ) for fuel cells
Defense	Laser materials and infrared optics

Field / industry	Specific application
Medical equipment	Lasers for surgery (urology, ophthalmology)
Nuclear energy	Neutron absorbers
Defense	Magnetic materials with a strong magnetic field

Field / industry	Specific application
Telecommunications	Optical amplifiers for fiber optic networks (EDFA)
Laser technologies	Medical and industrial lasers
Defense	Infrared surveillance systems

Field / industry	Specific application
Medical equipment	Compact X-ray sources
Laser technologies	High-energy solid-state lasers
Defense	Precision laser rangefinders

Field / industry	Specific application
Metallurgy	Coke production → basic material in blast furnaces for steel and cast iron
Chemical industry	Production of tars, gases, resins, aromatic hydrocarbons
Electrode industry	Carbon and graphite electrodes
Ferroalloys	Reduction and energy in ferroalloy production

Field / industry	Specific application
Batteries and energy	Anodes for Li-ion batteries (EV, electronics)
Metallurgy	Refractory materials, crucibles, casting molds
Lubricants	Dry and high-temperature lubricants
Electronics	Electrodes, graphite brushes, current collectors
Industrial applications	Brakes, pencils, seals, composites
Chemical industry	Reactors, heat exchangers
Aerospace	Carbon-graphite composites, heat shields
Nuclear energy	Neutron moderators