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All Rare Earth Elements Education Resources

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Harvard International Review- ‘Not So “Green” Technology: The Complicated Legacy of Rare Earth Mining’

A summary article about the negative and health effects of rare earth mining, particularly groundwater contamination and toxic waste, drawing on examples from China.



China Wrestles with the Toxic Aftermath of Rare Earth Mining

An article on the toxic impacts and legacies of rare earth mining in China and the significant challenges and costs of clean-up operations


Room to Manoeuvre? Mining, biodiversity and protected areas

A report talks about general mining and impacts to biodiversity and ecosystem. Free access, about 60 pages, produced by the international institute for environment and development.


The Race Is On to Mine the Deep Sea—But Scientists Are Wary

An article produced by the national geographic. It talks about the threats of REE mining to biodiversity in the ocean.


Mining Rare-Earth Elements from Fossilized Fish

An interesting article about the impacts of mining REE to fish. It discusses that REE mining threats submarine biodiversity


Toxic and radioactive: The damage from mining rare elements

Low wages, water shortage and acidified landscapes: Mining critical raw materials endangers human rights and the environment. Yet the industry is expanding. An article discusses the toxic and radioactive damage during REE mining, and provides very interesting pictures.


A Climate Solution Lies Deep Under the Ocean—But Accessing It Could Have Huge Environmental Costs

A Time magazine article, including a 4 mins video, talks about REE mining under the ocean and the potential impacts to submarine biodiversity, environmental challenges, and other concerns.



Troubled firm aims to mine Madagascar forest for rare earth elements

Singapore-based ISR Capital is under investigation for financial misconduct related to its acquisition of a rare earth mining project in northwestern Madagascar. The project faces stiff local opposition due to its potential impact on the area’s people and wildlife.


Boom in Mining Rare Earths Poses Mounting Toxic Risks

An article published at the Yale University, School of Environment. The article discusses REE mining and its negative environmental impacts (include ecosystem) with multiple examples.


Rare earth elements and old mines spell trouble for Western U.S. water supplies

An article about REE mines and impacts on water supplies and biodiversity in Colorado, USA.