Mining Rare Earth Elements in the Arctic: Reality Versus Potential

Interest in Arctic rare earth elements (REEs) is growing as melting ice makes previously undiscovered mineral deposits and new shipping routes accessible, and due to increased geopolitical pressures. Driven by national security concerns and the energy transition, Western powers such as the United States, Canada, and the European Union are turning to the Arctic to secure alternative supply chains and reduce their reliance on China. Russia, meanwhile, is focused on building domestic processing capacity to protect itself from Western sanctions.

This explainer provides an overview of where rare earth elements can be found in the Arctic, the opportunities and challenges involved in mining them, and the tensions between geopolitical imperatives, environmental protection, and Indigenous self-determination.