The Radioactive Ore That Could Break China’s Grip on Rare Earths
Western powers and companies are seeking monazite ore as an alternative source of rare earths, a market in which Chinese firms control roughly 90 percent of rare-earth oxides and rare-earth metals. Monazite typically contains radioactive thorium and sometimes uranium, so its handling, storage, and processing are tightly regulated. Major investment is flowing to monazite mines and processing technologies, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere, though a Saskatchewan plant has faced delays.
Why it matters: The article bears on the critical minerals and supply chains themes, because monazite is central to efforts to build rare-earth supply chains outside China.