Rare Earth Elements: Foundations of Europe’s Strategic Future

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) underpin many of the technologies driving Europe’s green and digital transitions, from electric vehicles and wind turbines to electronics, healthcare, and defence. This introductory course provides a practical, non-technical overview of the 17 REEs, tracing their journey from exploration through processing and use to recycling while examining why their supply has become strategically important. Learners will also explore the environmental, technical, and geopolitical challenges surrounding REE supply, alongside opportunities for recycling, substitution, circularity, and innovation. 

What you will learn: 

• Fundamentals of Rare Earth Elements and the 17 elements that make up the group. 
• Importance of REEs for modern technologies and Europe’s green and digital transitions. 
• Main stages of the REE value chain, from exploration to recycling. 
• Environmental, technical, and geopolitical challenges affecting REE supply. 
• Opportunities for recycling, substitution, and circular economy approaches to strengthen European REE resilience. 

Follow the ‘go to course’ and sign up!