Part 5/12:
The Complex and Toxic Process of Mining Rare Earths
While they are considered ‘rare,’ these elements are found in the Earth’s crust, often within seemingly normal rocks. However, extracting rare earths is far from simple. It involves toxic acids, large quantities of water, and environmentally damaging procedures. The Mountain Pass mine, which once thrived, was shut down temporarily in 1998 due to radioactive water seepage—highlighting the environmental costs associated with extraction.