Rare Earths in the Just Transition: Connecting Global Inequalities in REE Commodity Chains » All Rare Earth Elements Education Resources (tag [Global Politics])

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

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:28:22 GMT

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’

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:28:00 GMT

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’

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:27:33 GMT

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’

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:26:48 GMT

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’

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:25:59 GMT

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:

Sustainalytics- ‘Implications of the use of rare-earth elements in the wind energy market’

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:25:03 GMT

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

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

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:24:08 GMT

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.

The Guardian- ‘Dirty, dangerous and destructive – the elements of a technology boom’

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:23:15 GMT

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):

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

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:22:29 GMT

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’

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:21:39 GMT

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.