Circular Economy
Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
Definition
Rare earth elements are a set of 17 chemically similar metallic elements — the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. Despite the name they are relatively abundant in the crust but rarely occur in concentrated, economically mineable deposits. They are indispensable in high-strength permanent magnets (neodymium, dysprosium) for wind turbines and EV motors, in catalysts, phosphors, batteries and defence electronics.
References
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This reference provides supporting context for how “Rare Earth Elements (REEs)” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
The term structures critical raw materials policy (EU Critical Raw Materials Act, US supply chain strategies), trade disputes, and lifecycle assessments of clean technology supply chains.
Why it matters
Rare earths illustrate the transition's materials dilemma: clean technologies shift environmental burdens upstream into mining jurisdictions — making supply-chain standards and circularity integral, not incidental, to decarbonisation.