Rhenium is a rare metal with unique characteristics, including an ultra-high melting point (3,186 degrees C), and is becoming a vital part of the aerospace industry. The metal is mainly used in high temperature super-alloy turbine jet engines, land based power turbines, petroleum-reforming catalysts and Platinum-Rhenium catalysts. The metal also improves the high-temperature strength properties of some nickel-base super-alloys. Demand for Rhenium continues to grow as environmentally friendly airplanes become more popular. The price of the rhenium has increased from ~$500/lb to ~$5000/lb in the last couple of years due to short supply and strong demand. Demand is expected to increase over the next few years including new demand coming from technology that converts gas to liquid. The United States of America Department of Defense considers Rhenium a critical mineral because of its use in the high temperature jet engines used in the stealth aircraft.