Rare Earth Mining refers to the extraction and processing of rare earth elements (REEs), a group of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table that are vital in the production of various high-tech and green technologies. These elements, which include scandium, yttrium, and the 15 lanthanides, are essential in the manufacturing of products such as smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and various electronic devices. The mining process often involves complex techniques due to the low concentrations of rare earth minerals in the ore and the environmental concerns associated with their extraction. Rare earth mining is significant for industries reliant on advanced materials and for national security, given that certain countries hold a monopoly over these resources. The environmental impact, regulatory challenges, and geopolitical implications of rare earth mining are important considerations in discussions about sustainable development and resource management.
Trump targets Ukraine’s rare earth elements for a strategic resource deal. Rare earths are essential for technology, including smartphones and electric cars. Proposed trade involves Ukraine providing minerals in exchange…