What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of elements from Lanthanum (57) to Lutetium (71) on the periodic table, along with Yttrium away from Lanthanum. They are called rare not because of their rarity, but rather because of their low concentration. Global distribution of REEs - Asia (Greenland, USA), South America (Peru, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia), USA (Alaska and minerals), Rare REEs - Presence - Threat to national sovereignty (Greenland harvested by USA recently), China control 80% cobalt in DRC. Resource nationalism and threat to global supply chains. China must improve R&D and extraction by DOT, O SAI to secure mineral security critically. REEs for the new district supply.