All Rare Earth Elements Education Resources
Contemporary Global Rare Earth Politics: Persistent Myths, Policy Challenges, and Possible Pathways Forward
An interesting lecture by Dr. Julie Klinger
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.
NPR- ‘The Strategic Value Of Rare Earths’
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):
University of Birmingham- ‘How can we secure a responsible supply of critical materials for the 21st century economy?’
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
Green Biz- ‘Reimagining rare earth elements in a sacrifice zone-free future’
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.
Carbon Brief- ‘Explainer: These six metals are key to a low-carbon future’
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.
Forbes- ‘A Sustainable Way To Mine Rare Earth Elements From Old Tech Devices: Agromining Explained’
Discussion around agro-mining as a more sustainable and environmentally damaging form of REE extraction.
New Security Beat- ‘As China Adjusts for “True Cost” of Rare Earths, What Does It Mean for Decarbonization?’
A summary article based on the report, ‘Rare Earths: Shades of Grey,’ published by China Water Risk, a Hong Kong non-profit initiative, describing the regulatory plans and clean-up developments in China in response to the environmental and health costs caused by REE mining which are not captured in the current prices of REEs (hence, these are not the true costs).
Spark- ‘The Environmental Struggle Over Rare-Earth Elements For A Green Future’.
On the environmental impacts of rare earth mining and on the search for more environmentally-friendly ways of processing the REE materials.
Los Angeles Times- The hidden costs of China’s rare-earth trade
Article describing the environmental degradation and toxic pollution caused by REE mining in Jiangxi Province, China and the health risks for nearby villagers (as well as some small-scale protests).
Metals in a Low-Carbon Economy: Resource Scarcity, Climate Change and Business in a Finite World
A report produced by experts from the Stockholm Environment Institute and Leeds Uni about REE, provides an overview of REE industry through business perspective
PODCAST - Julie Klinger on China’s rare earth frontier
An interesting podcast talks about REE production in China.
21:30: How China’s near-monopoly on rare earths came to be
32:49: Mining and environmental degradation
45:32: China’s decision to slow down rare earth production and its consequences
Podcast | Where Will We Get the Rare Earth Minerals for Our Electric Cars?
Very interesting 22 mins podcast about REE’s impacts on electric cars
China to Form Two Rare Earth Giants to Strengthen Pricing Power
An article discusses the forming of REE monopoly by Chinese government
Rare Earth Magnets and Motors: A European Call for Action
A report produced by European Raw Material Alliance discusses the importance of REE in making vehicles and motors
Economic Extraction, Recovery, and Upgrading of Rare Earth Elements from Coal-Based Resources
A Powerpoint produced by researchers at the University of Utah and introduces the economic extraction, recovery, and upgrading of REE
The Rare Earth Elements by the British Geological Survey
A report produced by the Natural Environmental Research Council of Britain. It talks every aspects of REE, such as chemistry, extraction, trading in the UK
China’s rare earth exports surge past pre-coronavirus levels, despite Western push to diversify supply
An article discusses the increase production of REE in China and the impacts to the REE industry
Rare Earth Elements
Wikipedia has pictures of each rare earth elements and a brief introduction of REEs