Geopolitics of rare earths: A strategic natural resource for the multidimensional security of the State

Abstract

The rare earth group includes 15 lanthanides along with yttrium and scandium. Although they are not that rare, they are found in different types of deposits and very distinctive places. Because of their exceptional magnetic and conductive properties, they have become increasingly important for both the technology and the military sectors; this makes them a strategic natural resource of geopolitical relevance, which can affect the multidimensional security of states. This article examines the history of the discovery and use of these elements, the strategic factors in their extraction and processing process, and China's dominant geopolitical position in the sector, as well as their illegal exploitation in Colombia and their importance in security studies.