Understanding Rare Earth Elements as Critical Raw Materials

The boom in technological advances recent decades has led to increased demand for rare earth elements (REEs) (also known as metals) across various industries with wide-ranging industrial applications, including the clean energy sector, but some environmental, economic, and social footprint concerns. This paper reviews complexities of production, consumption, reuse or recovery REEs, presenting current trends terms potentials challenges associated this. particular focuses on supply, demand, (environmental economic) sustainability a subset critical raw materials. It does so via stocktaking key discussions debates field over past 15 years up until now, through thematic analysis published gray (policy) literature grounded theory approach. finds that carefully balanced lifecycle assessments are needed assessing respective dimensions extraction, processing, methods different types REE sources supplies meet future demands. furthermore diagnoses need taking into account shifts substitutions among REEs also reasons cost locational security supply. Finally, provides overall policy recommendations addressing problems, conceptual framing UN Sustainable Development Goals.