Sustainable Development Criteria and Indicators for the Assessment of Rare Earth Element Mining Projects

Rare earth elements (REEs) are recognized globally as being strategic and critical minerals. Therefore, assessment of the sustainability of REE mining projects is of particular interest to many stakeholders. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding the assessment of REE mining projects from a sustainability point of view. The best method to assess REE mining projects is to use measurable qualitative and/or quantitative indicators. Rare earth element mining projects are characterized by specific particularities as well as the potential presence of radiation. Thus, there is a need for a set of REE-specific criteria and indicators to supplement Global Reporting Initiative-based indicators. This chapter identifies existing indicator sets and lays out the importance of effective communication in estimating a mine's contribution to sustainable development and gaining the social license to operate. Then, 31 criteria and indicators are proposed to support a decision on the sustainability of REE mining projects. The proposed and selected criteria and indicators can be used by stakeholders and assist decision and policy makers, and can also be used to estimate baseline conditions for social, economic, environmental, geopolitical, and technological aspects for REE development.