What are Rare Earth Elements?
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a suite of rare metals which have become critical to military applications, infrastructure and the modern economy. The demand for these elements has increased exponentially with rapid advances in consumer technology, advanced weapons systems and the green energy revolution.
China has firmly established global dominance in the Rare Earth Element space, from mining through processing, metal separation and REE magnet production. All of the world’s largest mineable and extractable REE reserves are located in China which has left the United States and the rest of the world are totally dependent on Chinese supply of REE’s and its many end-products.
The current crisis has made Western economies realize the need to be more independent in producing and processing rare earth minerals, so they aren't so reliant on China. The US government sees China's dominance in rare earth resources as a big threat to the economy and security.
Outside of China, there are only two large viable REE mines (Mountain Pass California and Mt. Weld Australia), however, both of these operations are dependent upon China for processing after mining and concentrating of their rare earth ores.
Gadolinium Crystals
Rare Earths Metals are vital to national security and our modern way of life.
REE’s are also cornerstone metals for the world’s ‘green economy’ (electric vehicles, batteries, wind turbines, solar panels), all high-tech military defence systems (advanced fighter jets, lasers, cruise missile technology, navy warships, etc.) and all everyday consumer technology (iPhones, iPads, computers, electronics, etc.) depend on REEs.
