Urban impact of rare earth elements | Science
The burgeoning demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has surged in tandem with the rapid expansion of high-tech sectors, particularly in new energy generation and electronic information. These critical raw materials are essential for the production of various technologies, including renewable energy systems and advanced electronics. Recent statistical data reveals a dramatic increase in global rare earth mineral production, which has skyrocketed from 124,000 metric tons in 2015 to an anticipated 390,000 metric tons by 2024, marking an astonishing 214% growth over the past decade. This surge is indicative of the increasing reliance on REEs in modern technology, highlighting their importance in driving innovation and supporting green energy initiatives.
However, the accelerated mining, smelting, and industrial use of REEs come with significant environmental consequences. The large-scale extraction and processing of these elements have intensified their biogeochemical cycling, resulting in notable enrichment of REEs in various ecosystems, including the atmosphere, water bodies, soil, and even living organisms. This rising concentration of rare earth elements, particularly in urban areas where industrial activities are concentrated, raises critical concerns about potential health impacts. As cities become hotspots for REE accumulation, the implications for public health and environmental safety necessitate urgent attention from policymakers and researchers alike. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensure that the benefits of REE utilization do not come at an unacceptable cost to human health and ecological integrity.
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.
