Lanthanum (La): Uses, Supply and Investment Guide
Lanthanum is an abundant light rare earth used mainly in catalysts for oil refining, optical glass and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Lanthanum is produced in larger quantities than the market needs, so its price is low and it adds little to rare earth producers' revenue.
| Symbol | La |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 57 |
| Group | Light rare earth (LREE) |
| Magnet rare earth | No |
| Main uses | Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts; Optical glass; Nickel-metal hydride batteries; Medicine and water treatment |
| Main sources | Bastnaesite and monazite ores, co-produced with other light rare earths |
| China export status | No element-specific export licence |
| Price data | No public benchmark |
Lanthanum Price
Lanthanum oxide trades at a low price relative to magnet rare earths, reflecting chronic oversupply.
For the rare earths that do have public price series, see the rare earth price charts, and how rare earth pricing works for why most rare earths have no transparent benchmark.
What Is Lanthanum Used For?
- Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts. Lanthanum stabilises the zeolite catalysts refineries use to turn heavy oil into gasoline.
- Optical glass. Lanthanum oxide raises the refractive index of glass for camera and smartphone lenses.
- Nickel-metal hydride batteries. Lanthanum-rich alloys store hydrogen in NiMH batteries used in hybrid vehicles.
- Medicine and water treatment. Lanthanum carbonate treats high phosphate levels in kidney patients, and lanthanum compounds remove phosphate from water.
Where Does Lanthanum Come From?
Lanthanum is one of the most abundant rare earths in bastnaesite and monazite, so every light rare earth mine produces it. Because mines are sized for neodymium and praseodymium demand, lanthanum output tends to exceed demand.
China export controls on lanthanum
China does not require an element-specific export licence for this element. It has banned the export of rare earth extraction, separation and magnet-making technology since December 2023, which limits how quickly other countries can build supply.
How to Invest in Lanthanum
Lanthanum is not a reason to invest in a rare earth company on its own. It matters to investors mainly as a by-product that producers must sell or store. Projects whose ore is rich in lanthanum and cerium but poor in neodymium and praseodymium tend to have weaker economics.
For broader rare earth exposure, see the rare earth stock watchlist or the rare earth ETF comparison.
Lanthanum Investment Risks
- Oversupply keeps prices low; lanthanum adds little revenue per tonne of ore.
- Hybrid vehicles are moving from NiMH to lithium-ion batteries, reducing one demand source.
- Refining catalyst demand tracks the oil industry rather than the energy transition.
Lanthanum FAQ
What is lanthanum used for?
Lanthanum is used mostly in fluid catalytic cracking catalysts for oil refining. Other uses include high-index optical glass, nickel-metal hydride batteries and a phosphate-binding medicine.
Is lanthanum valuable?
Lanthanum is not very valuable compared with magnet rare earths. It is abundant in rare earth ores and produced in surplus, so lanthanum oxide sells at a low price.
Is lanthanum a light rare earth?
Yes, lanthanum is a light rare earth and the first element of the lanthanide series, which takes its name from lanthanum.
Other Light rare earth (LREE) Elements
This page is research, not investment advice. See the disclaimer.