THE MANAGEMENT AND POTENTIAL RISK REDUCTIONIN THE PROCESSING OF RARE EARTHS ELEMENTS

Abstract

The rare earth elements (REE) are vital to innovation technologies and society and are important for the industry, especially for high-tech solutions. In the modern world, anumerous applications have been developed using rare earth elements (REE), implying human exposures and raising unclear questions as to REE-associated health effects. Protecting the environment and public health from disadvantageous actions of rare earth elements mining and processing as emerging pollutants is urgently desired to achieve sustainable development. All activities in mining processes like extraction, separation and after recycling of REE elements could create rick to human health and environment. In the paper the role of management in safety aspects during mining and processing of rare earth elements has been highlighted. In the paper, the potential dangerous and damaging effects on the environment and human health have been identified - the potential risk in the processing as well as the possibilities of preventing the occurrence of hazards have been analyzed.