How rare earths metals power our future — and the risks we must consider

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are indispensable to modern technology, driving advances in renewable energy, consumer electronics, and medical imaging through their unique magnetic, light-emitting, and catalytic properties. From the rare earths in wind turbine magnets to those in the phosphors that give LED displays their vivid colors, these 17 metals underpin critical sectors of the global economy. You might never notice them, yet they are present in almost every device around you. Their story, however, is not without complications: extraction and processing can cause deforestation, soil and water contamination, and in some regions are tied to human rights abuses. Meeting these challenges will require better recycling, greener processing, and alternative materials, which is a task that grows more urgent as demand soars. Ultimately, understanding the science, applications, and policy of REEs is key to ensuring a sustainable and equitable supply for the technological transition of the 21st century.