Can a Radioactive Ore Break China's Grip on Rare Earths?

The piece examines whether monazite, a naturally radioactive ore rich in rare-earth elements, can provide an alternative supply of critical materials now largely produced in China. It presents the central argument that monazite’s high concentrations of heavy rare earths make it especially attractive for powerful permanent magnets used in electric-vehicle motors and other high-performance applications, but that unlocking that potential requires overcoming significant technical and regulatory hurdles. Key specifics include handling thorium-bearing waste and radiation safety, redesigning processing flowsheets to separate valuable lanthanides from radioactive byproducts, the costs and timelines of permitting and remediation, and how domestic or allied production could reshape supply-chain and geopolitical dynamics. The coverage balances potential economic upside with environmental and safety trade-offs, and describes pilot projects and proposed technologies intended to make monazite recovery viable.

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