Rare earths are a group of 17 chemical elements found in the periodic table, including lanthanides and scandium and yttrium. These elements are essential for various high-tech applications, such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies. Despite their name, rare earths are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but they are often dispersed and not found in concentrated deposits. The extraction and processing of rare earths can be environmentally challenging and economically costly. China is currently the largest producer of rare earth elements, controlling a significant portion of the global supply. This has raised concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and the need for alternative sources and recycling methods.