There are 17 rare earth elements in the periodic table which, contrary to their name, are as abundant in the Earth’s crust as tin or lead.
Because rare earths are always fused with other minerals before use, many countries are reluctant to invest in rare earth mines. They are often deemed too expensive and environmentally damaging to extract and refine in commercially viable quantities.
But rare earths are essential to hi-tech, renewable-energy and defence-related technologies.
Rainbow Rare Earths Ltd (LON:RBW) is a mining company focussed on production from, and expansion of, the high grade Gakara Rare Earth Project in Burundi, East Africa. With in-situ grades in the range of 47-67% Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO), Gakara is one of the world’s richest rare earth deposits.