Rare Earth Element mining is difficult, complex, and ripe with external risks. Most operations fail, leading to a high-risk high-reward casino-like environment.
The uncertainty scares off sophisticated investors who actually have the capital required to sustain successful long-term efforts of establishing a mining site.
For that reason, in the early stages, in order to establish sustainable mines, government funding may be needed.
Connections
Rare Earth Concentrations And Quality Have Been Diminishing
Rare Earth Mines Can Take Decades To Reach Production
AI Will Supercharge Materials Science
Reference
� The Elements of Power