Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 chemically similar elements, including the lanthanides, scandium, and yttrium, which are essential for various high-tech applications. Despite their name, rare earth minerals are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust but are rarely found in concentrated forms, making their extraction and processing challenging. These elements play a crucial role in the production of electronics, renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and advanced military systems. For example, they are used in the manufacture of powerful permanent magnets, batteries, and catalysts. The demand for rare earth minerals has increased significantly due to the rapid growth of technology and green energy sectors, highlighting the need for sustainable mining practices and recycling initiatives to ensure a stable supply and minimise environmental impacts.