Britain Faces Rare Earth Setback as China Tightens Its Grip on Global Supply

Saltend Chemicals Park, located on the outskirts of Hull, has long stood as a testament to Britain’s industrial heritage. Once a thriving centre for the production of chemicals, fertilisers, and plastics, many of its plants have closed in recent years, reflecting the shifting sands of global industry. Yet, hope was rekindled when plans emerged to transform Saltend into a hub for the processing of rare earth elements—materials now vital to the world’s technological and military ambitions.

Rare earth elements, comprising 17 obscure members of the periodic table from neodymium to yttrium, have proven indispensable. Combined with other metals, they enhance strength, heat resistance, and flexibility, supporting everything from the enormous magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicles to precision components in jet engines and advanced military equipment. The demand for these elements now extends far beyond industrial curiosities, permeating every facet of the modern economy.

Global supply is overwhelmingly controlled by China, with around 70 per cent of rare earth mining and roughly 90 per cent of processed products such as magnets originating from the nation. For comparison, annual global expenditure on rare earths is akin to North American spending on avocados, yet the supply’s geopolitical significance is immense. Should China impose restrictions, the repercussions could be severe for industries reliant on steady access to these materials.

Contrary to their name, rare earths are not exclusive to China’s soil. Deposits exist in Brazil, India, Australia, and the US, among others. The challenge lies in the complex and energy-intensive refining process which has caused most Western producers to bow out, leaving China as the de facto global processor. The environmental toll is significant, with the transformation of neodymium ore generating dramatically higher carbon emissions than steel production, compounded by the release of other pollutants, some radioactive in nature.

British firm Pensana sought to address this imbalance by importing Angolan rare earth ores and establishing a refinery at Saltend. The vision was to anchor Britain’s energy transition and restore domestic capacity. Yet, the viability of such ventures remained questionable in light of China’s unmatched scale, lower costs, and looser environmental standards. The game changed when US policy-makers began guaranteeing above-market prices for rare earths, reigniting American interest and investment in domestic refining capabilities.

Pensana has since abandoned its British refinery project, opting instead to focus on the US market where government support is stronger and prospects brighter. As a result, Britain’s ambitions to lead the rare earth renaissance have suffered a setback, underscoring Western dependence on China for these critical materials. Without rapid and coordinated action, the UK risks being left behind as global competition for rare earths intensifies.