A summary paper of the global political dimensions of rare earth production, focusing on China’s dominance of the REE market and its rare earth-related policies. Puts these into a broader context of growing global REE demand and the key role of rare earths in developing green technologies.

Short case summary of an international environmental campaign against a long-established rare earth refinery in Malaysia based on concerns around ecological and health impacts, particularly related to the company’s dumping of radioactive waste

Short case summary of protests which took place in a village in Guanxi, China due to concerns around pollution from a new REE mining project, particularly related to potential impacts on drinking water. Summarises the broader context of REE extraction and environmental impacts in China

Recent article summarising the supply chain risks associated with critical mineral production, including rare earths, across human rights violations, poor governance and corruption in the mining sector and toxicity, as well as possible regulatory solutions to these problems. Includes a useful table in the introduction highlighting the sustainability/supply chain issues for each of the relevant critical minerals including REEs:

Summary of the social, environmental and governance impacts of rare earth mining, as well as the geopolitical aspects of REE production:

Detailed report on the social conflicts and local grievances which may be exacerbated by green mineral extraction. Looks at country cases where governance of the mining sector is ‘weak’, meaning a higher risk of human rights abuses, labour exploitation, social conflicts and environmental damage. Uses the example of REE mining in Baotao, China. Alongside facts and figures, includes an interactive map to highlight country-level measures of fragility and corruption across critical mineral deposits.

Article summarising the labour exploitation, dangerous working conditions and lack of health & safety protections associated with REE mining (as well as with e-waste disposal):

Video showcasing talks and discussions on the intersection of science and society around REE developments, including as they relation to production and recycling and low-carbon futures:

NGO report on the social + environmental risks and human rights implications of the extraction of critical minerals (including REEs) for the manufacturing of wind turbines, incorporating livelihoods impacts, health and safety issues for workers and local communities and violent conflict. Uses images, infographics and concrete examples.

A podcast with Professor Julie Klinger on the geopolitics of rare earths and the supply issues surrounding REEs

Research being carried out on finding technological solutions to supply chain and sustainability challenges with REE production, notably through the development of technologies to recycle and reuse lithium-ion batteries or alternative kinds of batteries

Short article on the environmental degradation caused by rare earth mining in Baotao, China using the concept of ‘sacrifice zones’. It also highlights alternative visions for more sustainable and more just production of REEs, for instance through green chemistry or product re-design.

Article highlights the supply constraints challenges associated with depleted rare earth reserves for developing the technologies needed for a low-carbon future with a focus on the context of China (looking at both domestic and global demand). Explains the background of the development of rare earth industry in China and its environmental consequences, using infographics and maps.

An explainer on the importance of critical minerals to green technological developments necessary for meeting global climate change aims and the challenges posed by potential supply shortages for decarbonisation. Uses images, graphs, videos and makes specific connections between different critical minerals and low-carbon technologies.

Short explainer video on the importance of REEs for renewable energy expansion, while pointing out the environmental and health impacts of REE extraction/processing and resource supply constraints.

Detailed report from the IEA on the key role of critical minerals including REEs in shifting towards renewable energy and mitigating against climate change through the use of key statistics and useful graphs. Also highlights the challenges to energy security posed by the available and reliable supply of critical minerals.

A short film highlighting the environmental impacts caused by REE mining in Baotou, China:

An explainer on the growing for REEs as a clean energy solution- including useful graphs such as REE demand by sector- but also the environmental costs of REE mining and policy solutions.