Rare earths are a group of elements with electrical properties that make them useful in modern electronics, such as cell phones and magnets. Lanthanides and yttrium are recovered primarily from ores and minerals that naturally contain uranium and thorium. As a result, the waste rock and sludges from the extraction of rare earths also contain these radionuclides and are TENORM wastes.

Learn more about TENORM-producing industries and sources in the United States.