INVESTIGATING RARE EARTH ELEMENT MINE DEVELOPMENT IN EPA REGION 8 AND THE POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Even though most people have not heard of rare earth elements, they govern mankind’s modern lifestyle. The seventeen periodic elements receiving rare earth designation encompass nearly all electronic, clean energy, and military technologies due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Despite world-wide usage of these elements, China succeeded in monopolizing the rare earth element industry two decades ago. Implementation of these elements has risen exponentially while at the same time China has slashed rare earth element exports driving prices to record highs. The United States government understands the risks of rare earth element supply disruption, especially considering their importance in modern technologies vital to economic growth and national defense. This prompted the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) to identify “key” and “critical” materials. Many of the key and critical materials described by the USDOE are rare earth elements. The USDOE has even developed a strategic plan to explore key and critical material substitution in future technologies, recycling from waste electronics, and developing a globally diverse supply line of these materials.

Such a strategic plan, coupled with record high prices, has implications for rare earth element rich Region 8 of the Environmental Protection Agency (Region 8), which includes the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. Exploration activities and preliminary mining procedures indicate the real possibility of rare earth element mining within Region 8 at the Bear Lodge property of northeastern Wyoming within five years. Oversight of rare earth element production represents new challenges for government agencies, including Region 8, considering the lack of experience in dealing with these operations. As with any mine or refinery operation, rare earth element production could put human health and the environment at risk. This project strove to inform of all pertinent background information surrounding the rare earth element market, active exploration and deposits within Region 8, mining and refining processes, possible contaminants, and the potential risks for human health and the environment.