Idaho Strategic Resources finds significant concentration of yttrium and other heavy rare earth elements
The Coeur d’Alene-based mining company Idaho Strategic Resources has found a significant concentration of heavy rare earth elements at its Diamond Creek project just north of Salmon, Idaho, notably yttrium. Yttrium is used in high-temperature magnets in electric vehicles and in aerospace and jet engines because of its extremely high melting point of 2,779 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Royal Society of Chemistry. The element is also used for cancer treatments, the red hues in LED lights, wind turbines, defense systems, data centers and a plethora of everyday items.
The discovery of yttrium at the Diamond Creek project is significant because the United States relies on China for heavy rare earth elements and yttrium. If China’s supply shrinks, less can be exported to the US and used in goods stateside. The findings present a potentially lucrative domestic alternative to strengthen the supply chain.
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