Neodymium is chiefly obtained from monazite and bastnasite, where it occurs as an impurity. It is mined in the USA, China, Russia, Australia, and India.

The Neodymium metal element is initially separated from refined Rare Earth oxides in an electrolytic furnace. The "Rare Earth" elements are lanthanoids (also called lanthanides) and the term arises from the uncommon oxide minerals used to isolate the elements