Rare earth metals: a strategic concern

Abstract

Rare earth metals are important inputs into the development and manufacturing of many green and high-tech products. It is an international strategic concern that much of the supply chain for rare earth metals is based in China. This paper looks at issues involving the availability of rare earth metals, its use, China’s involvement, and pricing to better understand the strategic issues and their impact. It is concluded that the major need is to develop rare earth metal processing and use capacity outside of China. However, this will not be easy to do because of economic and social factors.