Geochemistry and Main Uses of Minerals - Thanatia: The Destiny of the Earth's Mineral Resources - page 538

Most mercury is used for the manufacture of industrial chemicals, electrical and
electronic applications. Its primary use is for small-scale gold mining in many parts
across the world.
B.2.39 Molybdenum
The most important molybdenum ore is the sulphide molybdenite MoS 2 , which can
be found in tungsten and copper ores, with molybdenite produced as a byproduct
of W and Cu production. Less important ores are those of wulfenite PbMoO 4 and
powellite CaMoO 4 .
Molybdenum is a refractory metal able to withstand extreme temperatures with-
out significant expansion or softening. This makes it useful in applications that
involve intense heat during their operation. Aircraft parts, electrical contacts and
filaments all benefit from molybdenum's properties which when added to steel re-
sults in greater strength, hardness, toughness, weldability and corrosion resistance.
Molybdenum also increases the bonding energy required to dissolve and remove
iron atoms from the surface. Its lower density and price stability also makes it a
cost-effective substitution of tungsten for use in high speed tools such as drills and
lathes 19 . It is also used in electrodes, lubricants, pigments and catalysts.
B.2.40 Neodymium
Neodymium is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnaesite. It is a member
of the lanthanide series and is the main REE component in the stronger Nd
Fe B magnets. These permanent magnets are ubiquitously used in electronic
appliances for reducing the size of electric motors. Neodymium is also used as a glass
colourant, alloying element and in military applications such as laser range finders
and guidance systems. It is also used in capacitors for stabilising their dielectric
properties. Neodymium is used as a dopant in YAG (yttrium aluminium garnet)
solid state blue light lasers for welding and marking applications. Additionally, the
element finds a key use in MRI as a contrasting medium. Even if it is the third least
scarce REE, its demand is rapidly increasing and this combined with its strictly
controlled supply, converts this metal into a critical element. Neodymium combined
with praseodymium is called didymium to stress their similar chemical behaviour.
Neodymium is expected to have a 16% share of global REE in 2015.
19 See Intl. Molybdenum Association http://www.imoa.info/molybdenum/molybdenum_
properties.php, or http://www.imoa.info/_files/brochures_articles/About_Molybdenum.pdf.
Accessed Nov. 2011.