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Rare Earths: The New Gold

2025.10.20

Rare Earths: The New Gold 


Photo Credit: Peggy Greb


When people hear the word “gold,” they often think of jewelry, money, or treasure. But in today’s world, another group of materials is just as valuable — the rare earth elements. These are a group of 17 special metals found deep in the earth. They have strange names like neodymium, yttrium, and dysprosium, but they are everywhere around us — inside smartphones, electric cars, wind turbines, and even headphones. 

 

Rare earths are called “rare,” but they are not actually very rare. The problem is that they are difficult and expensive to separate from the rocks where they are found. Most of the world’s rare earths come from China, which produces about 60–70% of the global supply. This gives China a lot of power in the technology world, because modern devices cannot be made without these elements. 

 

Japan, like many other countries, is trying to find new sources. Scientists have discovered large rare-earth deposits on the ocean floor near Japan’s coast. However, it is still very costly to mine them under deep water. Recycling old electronics is another way to recover these valuable materials. In fact, Japan is a leader in “urban mining” — collecting metals from discarded devices. 

 

So why are rare earths sometimes called “the new gold”? 


Because, just like gold, they are essential, valuable, and limited. But instead of symbolizing beauty or wealth, they represent technology and the future. Without rare earths, we could not have green energy, high-performance computers, or advanced electric cars. 


However, there are challenges. Mining rare earths can damage the environment, and recycling technology is still developing. Governments are now trying to balance economic growth with environmental protection, so that the world can use these materials responsibly. 


As we move toward a cleaner, more high-tech world, rare earths will play a key role. They may not shine like gold, but in the 21st century, they are every bit as precious. 


 

Vocabulary List 

Rare earths  レアアース（金属） 

Element 元素（げんそ） 

Valuable 価値のある（かちのある） 

Technology 技術（ぎじゅつ） 

Supply 供給（きょうきゅう） 

Recycle 再利用する（さいりようする）

Deposit 鉱床（こうしょう）／埋蔵量（まいぞうりょう） 

Environment 環境（かんきょう）

Pollution 汚染（おせん） 

Precious貴重な（きちょうな） 



Comprehension Questions 

1.     What are rare earth elements used for in modern life? 
 

2.     Why are they called “rare” if they are not truly rare? 
 

3.     Which country produces most of the world’s rare earths? 
 

4.     How is Japan trying to get more rare earths? 
 

5.     Why are rare earths compared to gold in the article? 

 

Scroll down for answers 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are used in many modern technologies, such as smartphones, electric cars, and wind turbines. 
 

Because they are hard and expensive to separate from the rocks they are found in. 
 

China, which controls around 60–70% of global production. 
 

By exploring deep-sea deposits and recycling old electronics through “urban mining.” 
 

Because they are valuable and essential, just like gold, but important for technology and the future instead of jewelry or money. 

 

 

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