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All Rare Earth Elements Education Resources

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Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)- ‘The geopolitics of Chinaʹs rare earths: a glimpse of things to come in a resource-scarce world?’

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.


MIT Podcast- ‘Rare Earths for the Common People’

A podcast telling rich stories of domestic politics and local communities affected by REE mining in China, covering governance and environmental issues. They touch on protests against REE production from villagers in Guangxi province


Environmental Justice Atlas- ‘Lynas Refinery in Kuantan, Malaysia’

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


Environmental Justice Atlas- ‘Rare Earth Mining of Chalco, Yulin, Guangxi, China’

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


Huber and Steininger (2022)- ‘Critical sustainability issues in the production of wind and solar electricity generation as well as storage facilities and possible solutions’

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:



International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)- ‘Green Conflict Minerals: The fuels of conflict in the transition to a low-carbon economy’

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.



Science History Institute- ‘Rare Earth Elements: The Intersection of Science and Society’

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:


Action Aid and Somo- ‘Human Rights in Wind Turbine Supply Chains’

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.