Mapping rare earth supplies and the challenges of turning these minerals into magnets

Unlike the name suggests, rare earths are not very rare at all.

Many countries — including Australia — are rich in the critical minerals that have become vital for modern technology.

Rare earths are used to manufacture everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines, weapons, and medical equipment.

Although the minerals can be found in abundance in some countries, there is still only one main supply chain powerhouse: China.

This is how rare earths are mapped around the world, and why being big on reserves may not mean big business.

Not rare, but critical

In Australia, 31 minerals are considered critical, including lithium, magnesium and zirconium.

Rare earths are a subset of critical minerals , made up of about 17 elements on the periodic table.

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