Why we should get serious about mining critical minerals for clean energy

The mining of rare earth elements is perceived as a “zero-sum game” due to limited global reserves and intense competition for these critical minerals. With relatively scarce deposits and uneven distribution worldwide, countries vie for control over the resource, leading to geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, environmental degradation caused by mining, coupled with increasing demand for rare earth elements in clean energy technologies and electronics, exacerbates the competition. The complexities of extraction and processing, along with potential market control by a few dominant players, add to the challenge of ensuring sustainable access to these essential resources while considering environmental and social impacts.