An interesting lecture by Dr. Julie Klinger

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

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):

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

A short podcast on the supply chain dimensions of rare earths and on the US seeking to becoming self-sufficient in REE production, focusing on the Mountain Pass mine in California, the only REE mine in the country (at the time):

Recent article on the geography of REE production, China’s dominance of the REE supply chain and how Australia is planning to develop its own REE extraction and production sites to meet growing demand

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.