Urban impact of rare earth elements | Science
The burgeoning demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has become a focal point in discussions surrounding the rapid growth of high-tech sectors, particularly in new energy generation and storage, as well as electronic information technologies. As industries pivot towards sustainable practices and advanced technologies, the reliance on REEs—essential raw materials used in a myriad of applications—has surged dramatically. Statistical data reveals an astonishing increase in global rare earth mineral production, which has escalated from 124,000 metric tons in 2015 to a projected 390,000 metric tons by 2024, marking a remarkable 214% growth over the past decade. This surge is not merely a reflection of increased mining activities; it also highlights the critical role that REEs play in the transition to greener technologies and the digital economy.
However, this rapid expansion comes with significant environmental and health implications. The large-scale mining, smelting, and industrial utilization of REEs have intensified their biogeochemical cycling, resulting in substantial enrichment of these elements in various ecosystems, including urban environments. This enrichment poses potential risks to human health and the environment, as REEs can accumulate in the atmosphere, water, soil, and even living organisms. The pressing need for careful management and regulation of REE extraction and processing practices has never been more urgent. As cities grow and the demand for high-tech products continues to rise, addressing the environmental impact of REE mining and ensuring the safety of urban populations must become a priority for policymakers and industry leaders alike. The intersection of technological advancement and environmental stewardship presents both a challenge and an opportunity to foster sustainable practices in the burgeoning REE sector.
The rapid growth of high-tech sectors, such as new energy generation and storage as well as electronic information, has stoked a global demand for rare earth elements (REEs), the critical raw materials for these sectors and others (1). Statistical data indicate that global rare earth mineral production, including mining, smelting, and application, skyrocketed from 124,000 metric tons in 2015 to 390,000 metric tons in 2024, a staggering 214% increase over the past decade (2). Moreover, large-scale mining, smelting, and industrial use of REEs have accelerated their biogeochemical cycling, leading to substantial enrichment in the atmosphere, water, soil, and organisms. Against this backdrop of expanding REE mining, processing, and consumption, the enrichment of these elements in urban environments and their potential health impacts demand urgent attention.
