Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 chemical elements found in the Earth's crust. These elements, including lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium, are essential for various high-tech applications, such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies. Despite their name, rare earth minerals are not necessarily rare; they are often dispersed and difficult to extract economically. The extraction and processing of rare earth minerals can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution. As demand for these materials grows, particularly in industries like electronics and clean energy, countries are exploring sustainable mining practices and recycling methods to reduce reliance on primary sources.