1. Eric Mercadante
ENVS 4800 – Mineral Development in the Rockies
Prof. Sarah Rogers
Rare Earth Elements – Are They Sustainable?
Abstract: This study explores the potential for mining rare earth elements (REEs) in the Rocky
Mountains. It discovers current uses of rare earth elements, describes their effectiveness in
increasing energy efficiency, and their potential for creating renewable energy. It also portrays
the issue of a rising demand for REEs and a shortage in supply due to a decrease in Chinese
exports, and explores options to solve this issue. This project then explains the environmental
consequences associated with mining REEs and asks the question, “Can rare earth elements truly
produce sustainable energy?” It suggests that safe mining techniques be adopted through the
development of domestic mines in the United States, using advanced technology and a social
responsibility to keep rare earth mines clean. This study finds that with an increase in recycling
and by using advanced rare earth technology to clean wastewater, there is a potential for the rare
earth industry to become an environmentally friendly process. Finally, it is recommended that
green certifications be awarded for mines that meet requirements for environmentally sound
mining practices. The products containing safe and sustainable rare earths would then be labeled
and sold on the market, representing the consumers’ and producers’ environmental values.