Why China's rare earths control isn't going away

The dirty secret is that the refining process is hugely polluting and China is willing to bear the consequences. The Chinese have also bought into new mines meant to wean the industry from Beijing's grip on a resource vital for defence and clean energy transition.

Sam Olsen and Alexander Wood
A view of MP Materials' rare earths open-pit mine in Mountain Pass, California. The demand for rare earths is exploding as the energy transition takes shape, and it is estimated that the current global production of 240,000 metric tonnes will need to
A view of MP Materials' rare earths open-pit mine in Mountain Pass, California. The demand for rare earths is exploding as the energy transition takes shape, and it is estimated that the current global production of 240,000 metric tonnes will need to increase sevenfold between now and 2040. Just 15 per cent of global rare earths processing happens outside China. PHOTO: REUTERS
Updated
Jun 02, 2021, 05:00 AM
Published
Jun 02, 2021, 05:00 AM
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

A profound potential weakness lies in the shift from fossil fuels to renewables, one that could see geopolitics stymie its success: the control of rare earths.

Rare earths are vital for the clean energy transition. They are needed for everything from wind turbines to electric vehicles, and in large amounts - according to experts, a typical electric car needs six times the mineral inputs of a conventional car.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

ST One Digital

 $9.90/month

No contract

ST app access on 1 mobile device

Subscribe now

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 02, 2021, with the headline Why China's rare earths control isn't going away. Subscribe

Available for
iPhones and iPads
Available in
Google Play

MCI (P) 066/10/2023. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2024 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Back to the top