The world’s largest rare earth mine is located in Inner Mongolia. China is poised to invest heavily in this mine to increase its annual ore capacity and, consequently, the country’s hold over global supply. Since rare earth content is critical for certain types of technology, this is unwelcome news for the rest of the world given China’s already stringent export controls. Here in the U.S., it is essential that rare earth supplies be available for our electronics manufacturing needs and for military defense purposes.
Understanding China’s position
In 2025, China imposed significant export controls on rare earths, which caused supply disruptions among Western nations. Because China controls more than half of the world’s rare earth mine supply, it is in a position of strength. The Chinese government plans to further develop its export controls between 2026 and 2030. Doing so would deepen its influence over the distribution of rare earths needed for electronics, clean energy systems, and military defense technologies worldwide, including in the U.S.
Sustaining military operations
The military needs rare earth elements (REEs) for defense systems, including fighter jets, radar technologies, and missile guidance systems. However, at the time of this writing, the U.S. military has only a two-month supply of REEs available. Its dependence on supplies of this kind imported from China is a critical matter given current military operations such as the ongoing airstrikes on Iran.Facing environmental issues
Mining for rare earth elements is a complex undertaking. While REEs are essential components for various electronics, renewable energy applications, and military defense needs, the extraction process poses serious environmental problems. Water contamination is one of the most troubling results. Sulfuric acid and ammonium sulfate are two of the toxic chemicals needed to leach elements from the ore. They can seep into surface water, contaminating drinking water, and into groundwater, harming aquatic ecosystems.Air pollution is also a major concern. REE mining releases pollutants including sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. The former can cause respiratory problems in humans. The latter can cause cardiovascular issues.
Reducing the impact
Governments around the world are working on solutions that will produce sustainable rare earth mining operations:
· Chemical use reduction: Use of alternative solvents and better ways to monitor waste
· Closed-loop water systems: Use of recycled water to prevent contaminated discharge
· AI monitoring processes: Use of artificial intelligence to improve site management and predict possible contamination issues
· Remediation programs: Use of reforestation and soil rehabilitation to restore mined lands
· Investment in renewables: Use of geothermal, solar, wind and hydrogen for on-site power to help mining companies reduce their carbon footprint
· Stricter standards: Use of government intervention to enforce stronger limits on toxic waste, air and water pollution
Recycling benefits
At Urban E Recycling, we understand the importance of rare earth elements and the problems associated with mining these critical supplies. Obviously, we are not in a position to resolve the issues associated with Chinese mining and that country’s stringent export controls. However, by recycling recoverable elements from used batteries and old electronic devices, we help to reduce the demand for REE mining in the United States.
Mother Nature doesn’t want your old computers but we do.
