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Article highlights the supply constraints challenges associated with depleted rare earth reserves for developing the technologies needed for a low-carbon future with a focus on the context of China (looking at both domestic and global demand). Explains the background of the development of rare earth industry in China and its environmental consequences, using infographics and maps.

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.

Useful global map by the British Geological Survey of REE mines, deposits and occurrences.

Short explainer video on the importance of REEs for renewable energy expansion, while pointing out the environmental and health impacts of REE extraction/processing and resource supply constraints.

Detailed report from the IEA on the key role of critical minerals including REEs in shifting towards renewable energy and mitigating against climate change through the use of key statistics and useful graphs. Also highlights the challenges to energy security posed by the available and reliable supply of critical minerals.

Highlights the toxic and radioactive waste generated by REE mining and processing plants using examples from Malaysia, Brazil and China

A short film highlighting the environmental impacts caused by REE mining in Baotou, China:

A short podcast with Hongqiao Liu from China Water Risk on the environmental sustainability issues with the supply of REEs, including the technology used for the mining process

A podcast on the hidden environmental damage caused by the extraction and processing of REEs and potential scientific solutions to these problems

An explainer on the growing for REEs as a clean energy solution- including useful graphs such as REE demand by sector- but also the environmental costs of REE mining and policy solutions.

Discussion around agro-mining as a more sustainable and environmentally damaging form of REE extraction.

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).

A summary article about the negative and health effects of rare earth mining, particularly groundwater contamination and toxic waste, drawing on examples from China.

On the environmental impacts of rare earth mining and on the search for more environmentally-friendly ways of processing the REE materials.

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).

An article (written in a journalistic/immersive style and with various photos of the site) on the environmental costs of rare earth mining in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, one of the industrial centres of rare earth mining production, with a particular focus on the artificial toxic lake in Baotao, created to be a tailings pond.

An article on the toxic impacts and legacies of rare earth mining in China and the significant challenges and costs of clean-up operations

A report produced by experts from the Stockholm Environment Institute and Leeds Uni about REE, provides an overview of REE industry through business perspective

Very interesting 22 mins podcast about REE’s impacts on electric cars