MMTA adds 14 new norms for Rare Earth metals, Yttrium and Scandium
The MMTA’s Contracts Committee has added 14 new norms for rare earth elements (REE), yttrium and scandium to its online database of minor metals and ferro-alloys, reflecting the growing international trade in these materials on the back of increasing consumption and political interest.
"The demand for rare earth elements is steadily growing as new applications utilising their unique properties are developed, especially in the areas of ‘green’ technology and renewable energy”, Mr Munnoch said, adding that it is vitally important that MMTA norms form a full and accurate database for members’ use.
Rare earth elements and their compounds are used in a wide range of products from permanent magnets and low-energy light bulbs to rechargeable batteries in hybrid vehicles and catalysts in oil refineries.
The new norms are:
- Erbium
Europium
Gadolinium
Holmium
Lanthanum
Lutetium
Praseodymium
Praseodymium oxide
Samarium
Scandium
Terbium
Thulium
Ytterbium
Yttrium
The norms have been written by committee chairman Steven Munnoch (Avon Metals Ltd) and Tony Bayley (ABSCO Materials). MMTA norms set acceptable quality standards in critical contractual fields in order to assist the smooth running of the minor metal trade. Any specific agreement between two trading parties may overrule an MMTA norm if agreed by both principals in advance.
For further details of MMTA’s norms visit http://www.mmta.co.uk/metal_norms/. If you have any comments or suggestions on any norms please contact the Executive.
