A display of various rare earth elements in labeled containers, showcasing their distinct forms and origins, primarily from China. Stock image.
The names — holmium, europium, ytterbium, thulium, erbium — don’t show up in any of the investing classics. But they’re fast becoming an integral part of the Wall Street lexicon.
These minerals, and others in the category known as rare earths, are used to make advanced weaponry, cutting-edge computer chips and high-tech cars. And China, which controls some 70% of the mining and near 90% of processing, is curbing access to them.
The implications for investors are far-reaching, as countries led by the US scramble to shore up access to the raw materials, often by funneling investments to miners outside of China. End users, from ASML Holding NV to Ford Motor Co. to Hyundai Motor Co., likely will have to ensure supplies or pivot to technologies that don’t…
