Highlights

• Researchers from Queen's University and partner institutions developed a 'Tai Chi' sustainability model.
• The model links two pathways: mining and recycling.
• It involves four actors and eight forces to analyze rare earth supply chain security.
• The model identifies midstream separation, metals, and magnets as critical chokepoints.
• A 'trifecta of durability' emphasizes:
  • Midstream scarcity
  • Circular feedstock premium for recycling
  • Policy coupling with ESG guardrails
• These are essential for secure rare earth supply chains beyond simply opening new mines.
• Winners in the rare earth sector will:
  • Demonstrate full conversion capability from oxides to metals to magnets
  • Provide transparent life-cycle assessments
• Emphasis is on recycling scaling and advances in cleaner hydrometallurgy, not just resource tonnage.

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Tian-Yu Zhao, PhD (opens in a new tab), Queen’s University, with co-authors from Zhengzhou University, Central South University, and the University of Toronto, investigates a wide-angle review of rare earth chemistry, applications, resources, environmental challenges, and policy. The study team incorporated a “Tai Chi” sustainability model linking two pathways (mining, recycling), four actors (governments, enterprises, researchers, consumers), and eight forces (resources, energy, environment, policy, applications, technology, supply-demand, economy).

What are the outcomes of this process?

REEs are indispensable; China remains central; durable security requires coordinated mine-to-magnet-to-recycling execution, not just new mines in what the authors refer to as a trifecta of durability.

This trifecta of durability includes the following:

Elements	Description
Midstream scarcity	Separation, metals, alloys, and magnets remain the chokepoints
Circular feedstock premium	Credible recycling and by-product recovery should command higher multiple,
Policy coupling	Incentives must travel with ESG guardrails—or ramps stall.

The Tai Chi model treats the supply chain as an interactive system (not silos), making it a practical frame for diligence and scenario planning.

Fresh Signals: Moniring

The authors synthesize progress on ion-adsorption clays, cleaner hydrometallurgy, and rising REE intensity in energy/defense. For North American and European rebuilds, watch:

• Proof that recycling scales beyond pilot yields.
• Lower reagent/energy intensity at commercial plants;
• Transparent life-cycle assessments (LCA) to de-risk ESG.

Issuer disclosures that link feed (ore/scrap) to separated oxides to metal/alloy to magnets, with named offtakes, should earn valuation premiums.

Be Sure to Read the Fine Print

This is a review, not new primary data. Sources vary by method and time; some figures are region-specific. The Tai Chi model is a conceptual tool—it does not forecast prices or guarantee permitting timelines. Country-level claims (reserves, “dominance”) need date stamps and policy context.

REEx verdict—Pragmatic Optimism

We agree with the core thesis: security demands balanced growth in mining and recycling, plus midstream build-out under clear policy.

Perhaps treat the Tai Chi model like a diligence checklist: map each issuer to the two pathways, four actors, eight forces; score execution risk node-by-node; discount for ESG and commissioning-curve realities. Winners will show conversion capability (oxides → metals → magnets) and measured LCAs, not just resource tonnage.

Citation: Zhao, T-Y., Li, W-L., Kelebek, S., et al. “A comprehensive review on rare earth elements: resources, technologies, applications, and prospects.” Rare Metals 44, 7011–7040 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12598-025-03459-9 (opens in a new tab)

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