 Rare earth elements are essential components of many renewable energy technologies including wind turbines, batteries, catalysts, and electric vehicles. However, their availability is limited due to quotas imposed by the Chinese government on exports and crackdowns on illegal mining operations. This has caused the shortage and subsequent price increase, which has since decreased but remains unstable. There are only a few active mines around the world, most notably Bayan-Obeo in China, Mountain Pass in the United States, and recently Open Mount Weld in Australia. These mines produce the majority of the world's supply of rare earth elements, but they also contribute heavily to global warming emissions through hydrochloric acid production, steam usage, and electricity consumption. This article was authored by NASADHAC, Anthony Hughes, Seng Lim, and others.