-By Jaya Pathak
In the world we live in today technology and renewable energy are moving fast. There are some special metals that people do not talk about a lot and these are the rare earth metals. It is interesting that every day, we use things made up of these elements but we rarely pay any heed to notice or even inquire that what it is made up of.
Let’s take an example- the phone you are holding in your hand or the electric car which you see on the road, have you ever tried to enquire that what these daily use things are made up of or what things they need in order to make them work efficiently? Well, it is rare earth minerals which make these things work and henceforth, smoothens our everyday life.
In the world we live in today technology and renewable energy are moving fast. There are some special metals that people do not talk about a lot and these are the rare earth metals. It is interesting that every day, we use things made up of these elements but we rarely pay any heed to notice or even inquire that what it is made up of.
Let’s take an example- the phone you are holding in your hand or the electric car which you see on the road, have you ever tried to enquire that what these daily use things are made up of or what things they need in order to make them work efficiently? Well, it is rare earth minerals which make these things work and henceforth, smoothens our everyday life.
China
China has been the country for making rare earth things for a long time. They make around sixty to sixty five percent of the world supply. China has a lot of earth minerals in the ground. They also have machines and methods to turn these minerals into things that people can use. China does everything from taking minerals out to making products which is why they are strong in production. Important mining ares are Bayan Obo in Inner Mongolia and Sichuan and Jiangxi. These places have large deposits. China Northern Rare Earth Group backed by the state manages production and export from these regions.
China is in charge when it comes to earth things. This has problems. The environment is getting hurt and there are trade issues. Other countries are trying to find places to get what they need. Even with competition China is still the main source for rare earth things used to make phones and solar panels. China and the rare earth industry are linked.
United States of America of America of America
The United States of America of America was a producer back in the 1980s. Now the United States of America of America makes around 13 to 15 percent of the world total. Most production comes from the Mountain Pass Mine in California managed by MP Materials. Production is getting better after years of going down because of China and rules to protect the environment. The government in Washington sees that it is not safe to depend on other countries. So Washington is putting money into programs to make and recycle things at home. The United States of America of America is currently working with Japan and Australia to build a supply chain. The United States of America of America still has a problem. Most ore that America mines is sent to China to be processed. America needs to be able to do this on its own. This is a gap in efforts to be self-sufficient.
Australia
Australia produces 10 percent of the world’s rare earth. Australia is stable and transparent. The country is serious about sustainability and ethical mining. Countries like to work with Australia when they need rare earth. The Mount Weld Mine is operated by Lynas Rare Earths. Lynas also has processing plants in Malaysia and new facilities in Australia. Australia has government support and partnerships. Australia can make sure people get materials they need fairly.
Myanmar
Myanmar supplies around 8 to 9 percent of the world’s rare earth elements. These include dysprosium and terbium used for electric magnets. Myanmar’s industry is not controlled. There are reports of trees being cut pollution and armed groups taking advantage of people. China still needs ores from Myanmar so the two countries have a relationship. Myanmar’s ores are important to China.
Russia
Russia has reserves particularly in the Kola Peninsula and Far Eastern regions. Russia prodces 2 to 3 percent of the world total. Russia wants to make rare earth elements a priority for technology and defense. State companies like Rostec are developing mines and processing. Sanctions and lack of money slow down progress. Russia has geological potential and could become a player if it can deal with problems.
India
India makes about 1 to 2 percent of the world’s rare earths. Most production comes from sands on beaches in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Odisha. These sands have monazite. Indian Rare Earths Limited takes care of exploration and production. India is working with Japan and Australia to build better facilities for refining and processing. India wants to make electric vehicles and wind energy products and build independence.
Brazil
Brazil has reserves in Minas Gerais Goiás and Bahia. Brazil has potential but the amount produced is small. The government wants to develop mining as part of economic plans. Approvals and environmental concerns slow things down. If more investment comes Brazil could soon be a supplier for the Americas.
Vietnam
Vietnam produces about 1 percent of the world total. Vietnam has potential. Deposits are in Bắc Nậm Xe and Đông Pao. These have light and heavy elements. Vietnam is getting help from Korean investment to build facilities. Vietnam is safe and in a good location. Investment interest makes Vietnam a country for supplying materials in Asia.
Global outlook
The story of earths is about power technology and how we can use earths sustainably. Countries want to mine in a way that is good for the earth recycle earths and make sure production does not hurt the environment. The demand for earths will increase by 2035 because of electric vehicles clean energy and defense technologies. China is the biggest producer. The United States of America of America Australia and Vietnam are starting to produce more. The market is changing and new players are emerging. The demand is driving this change. The world’s top eight producers which are
China, United States of America of America, Australia, Myanmar, Russia, India, Brazil and Vietnam are important for innovation. China is still the leader but the system is becoming balanced where production is about China and the other countries. This makes the ecosystem more diverse. Sustainable practices fair trade and technological collaboration will define the future. Countries that combine resource potential with innovation and policy will control rare earths and lead the next era of progress.
