Rare earth mining is big business for countries with reserves, such as Malaysia, which has an estimated 16.1 billion tonnes of subterranean rare earth deposits. Rare earths are essential for green technology and climate goals, but their extraction and processing can cause environmental and social impacts. Malaysia aims to balance the economic benefits and environmental costs of rare earth mining, and to ensure transparency and accountability in the industry - but how? What are the challenges of rare earth mining? This, and plenty more are explored in Macaranga's recently published article, Unlocking Rare Earth Riches in Malaysia, co-written by environmental journalist Lee Kwai Han, and Macaranga's co-founder, Law Yao Hua. 

They join us to discuss the ethical and social implications of rare earth mining and consumption.

<p>Rare earth mining is big business for countries with reserves, such as Malaysia, which has an estimated 16.1 billion tonnes of subterranean rare earth deposits. Rare earths are essential for green technology and climate goals, but their extraction and processing can cause environmental and social impacts. Malaysia aims to balance the economic benefits and environmental costs of rare earth mining, and to ensure transparency and accountability in the industry - but how? What are the challenges of rare earth mining? This, and plenty more are explored in Macaranga's recently published article, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.macaranga.org/unlocking-rare-earth-riches-in-malaysia/">Unlocking Rare Earth Riches in Malaysia</a>, co-written by environmental journalist Lee Kwai Han, and Macaranga's co-founder, Law Yao Hua.&nbsp;</p><p>They join us to discuss the ethical and social implications of rare earth mining and consumption.</p>

Climate change, ferocious weather and ‘the haze’ are now part our everyday lives. How are our lifestyles connected to them, and what can we do about it? What does the economy have to do with it? Earth Matters engages with activists and experts to explore our changing relationship with the planet that we only borrow from our children.

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