Transition metal, group 7
What is rhenium? Properties, uses, supply and price
Rhenium (Re) is a transition metal (atomic number 75) recovered from copper-molybdenum ores and recycled superalloy scrap, with about 80% of use in jet-engine superalloys. World production was 81,000 kg in 2025.
Facts from USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 · reviewed 28 October 2026
Rhenium key facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol, atomic number | Re, 75 |
| Group | Transition metal, group 7 |
| World mine production, 2025 | 81,000 kg; Chile 30,000 kg |
| US primary production, 2025 | 9,800 kg |
| Superalloys / catalysts | ~80% / ~15% of use |
| US net import reliance | 75% |
Where rhenium comes from
A byproduct of molybdenum
Rhenium occurs with molybdenum in porphyry copper deposits and is recovered from the roasting of molybdenum concentrates, as in Arizona and Montana. Identified US resources are about 7 million kg. Rhenium also occurs with copper in sedimentary deposits in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Russia and Uzbekistan.
What rhenium is used for
| End use | Weight | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel-base superalloys | ~80% | Turbine blades above 1,000 °C |
| Platinum-rhenium catalysts | ~15% | Petroleum reforming |
| Medical and electronics | Small | Molybdenum-rhenium implants, thermocouples, filaments |
Substitutes and recycling
Substitutes
An iridium-tin catalyst has replaced platinum-rhenium in some refining applications; cobalt, tungsten, rhodium and platinum-ruthenium substitute in X-ray targets, thermocouples and contacts (USGS).
Recycling
Superalloy scrap and scrapped turbine blades are recycled hydrometallurgically, and spent catalysts are recycled in a closed loop. Industry sources put global secondary output at 20,000–25,000 kg in 2025.
Policy and supply security
Critical mineral status
Rhenium was added to the final 2025 US List of Critical Minerals (90 FR 50494, 7 November 2025). Several molybdenum-rhenium medical devices have FDA approval, adding a medical end use.
Dated events and export-control steps are on the China export-control timeline.
Rhenium: frequently asked questions
What is rhenium used for?
Nickel-base superalloys for turbine blades that run above 1,000 °C (about 80% of use) and platinum-rhenium catalysts for petroleum reforming (about 15%).
Where does rhenium come from?
Byproduct recovery at copper-molybdenum mines (Chile, Poland, the US, Uzbekistan) plus recycling of superalloy scrap.
How much does rhenium cost?
The reference price is $7,400.88 per kg as of 27 October 2026, +55.46% year to date.
Related elements
Sources
Information only, not investment advice. Reviewed 28 October 2026.