First Canadian Rare Earth Mine Starts Shipping Concentrate from N.W.T.

Canada has begun supplying the world with minerals critical to a greener economy with the country's first rare earth mine delivering concentrated ore, CBC Canada reports.

"Canada and its allies are gaining independence from the rare earth supply chain from China," said David Connelly of Cheetah Resources, which owns the Nechalacho Mine southeast of Yellowknife.

Rare earths are a series of exotically named elements such as ytterbium, lanthanum and gadolinium. They are crucial to computers, LED displays, wind turbines, electric cars and many other products essential to a low-carbon world.

Some industry analysts predict the rare earth market will grow from $6.8 billion in 2021 to more than $12 billion by 2026. Almost 60 per cent of the world's supply of these vital materials is produced in China and much of the rest is owned by Chinese companies. Until now.

The deposit, which holds 15 different rare earth elements, was discovered in 1983. Canada has 13 active rare earth projects, the federal government says. Most are in Saskatchewan and Quebec.