Just having mines that hold or extract rare earth ore is not enough to create a valid operation. The extremely complex processes of extraction are tightly kept secrets. Even when known, they vary dramatically from region to region. So even if minerals are found in North America, for example, we may not have the knowledge to extract them at economic scale.
Connections
Rare Earth Refining Cannot Target High Priced Materials
Rare Earth Elements Are Not Rare
Rare Earth Element Processing Cannot Be Standardized
Reference
� The Elements of Power