Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical components in the production of many modern technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, and smartphones.

As demand for these products increases, so does the demand for REEs, leading to an increase in mining activity.

However, the mining and processing of REEs can have significant environmental and social impacts. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of rare earth elements mining.

What are Rare Earth Elements?

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 chemical elements, including cerium, dysprosium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, promethium, samarium, scandium, terbium, thulium, ytterbium, and yttrium.

These elements have unique properties that make them essential in the production of many high-tech products.

Pros of REE Mining

Economic Benefits: REE mining can bring significant economic benefits to the countries where they are found. It creates jobs and generates revenue for local communities.

Technological Advancements: REE mining helps to promote technological advancements. It provides the raw materials needed to produce high-tech products that are essential in modern society.

National Security: REEs are critical to many defence technologies, including missile guidance systems and radar. Countries that have a domestic supply of REEs are less vulnerable to supply disruptions from other countries.

Cons of REE Mining

Environmental Impacts: REE mining can have significant environmental impacts, including water pollution, air pollution, and soil contamination. The mining process can also disrupt local ecosystems, causing habitat loss and biodiversity decline.

Human Health Risks: The mining and processing of REEs can also pose significant risks to human health. Exposure to toxic chemicals and radioactive materials can cause respiratory and neurological problems, as well as cancer.

Social Impacts: REE mining can also have social impacts, such as forced relocation of communities, displacement of indigenous peoples, and conflicts over land and resources.

Conclusion

The mining and processing of rare earth elements can bring significant economic benefits and promote technological advancements. However, it is essential to recognise the environmental and social impacts of this activity.

Governments and mining companies must ensure that REE mining is carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner, minimising the negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

The development of new technologies that reduce the environmental impacts of REE mining and processing should also be encouraged.