The impacts of the world transition to electrical energy: the role of rare earth minerals mining

The impacts of the world transition to electrical energy: the role of rare earth minerals mining A comprehensive literature review of the rare earth minerals is provided in this document. The topics covered are different processes from the mining of the ore to the production of the market valued product. The document provides an introduction of REE, the geological environment in which they exist and their chemical form of existence. The distribution of the reserves and the recoverable REEs are highlighted in this work. An overview of the mining methods used for the extraction of rare earth ore from the ground is also discussed. The processing of extracted ore like beneficiation, separation and chemical treatment are enlightened. A brief discussion on the importance and uses of the REEs is done. The possible harmful effects of the different processes throughout the life cycle of REEs on the environment are also discussed. The prospects of recycling of REEs from scrap are explored which can help solving the supply issues. A geopolitical context of REEs trade is also discussed in this document. The growing concerns from environment-related organizations and local populations of the area where REEs are mined and processed due to the damages that it causes to the ecology of the area is also presented. It is supported by the wrong practices of some mines during the past and the problems that were encountered as well as the damages that occurred to the local resources are looked at. It also provides an overview of the best practices and remedies to avoid the problems. The document highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the REEs in technological sectors: new technological advances in the extraction processes provide much better and efficient recovery of the REEs with very minimal ecological and environmental damages. This can be achieved by setting high standards of safety and by constantly upgrading the infrastructure with technological and instrumental advances.