Strontium

What it is

Strontium is an alkaline-earth metal used in ferrite magnets, pyrotechnics (red flares and fireworks), specialty ceramics, and some pharmaceuticals.

Why it matters

Spain has historically been the largest EU-relevant supplier; global supply has shifted toward Iran and Mexico.

Circular challenges

Whether strontium re-enters the economy at end-of-life is mostly settled at the design stage. These are the recurring blockers.

• Ferrite magnet recycling

  Strontium ferrite magnets in motors and speakers are rarely recovered separately; most go through ferrous-scrap shredders.

• Pyrotechnic loss

  Strontium used in flares and fireworks is consumed in use — not recoverable.

• Substitution by NdFeB

  Higher-performance neodymium magnets are replacing ferrites in some applications, shifting demand toward heavier-rare-earth dependence.