Empowering sustainable development through circular economy practices in rare-earth sector

Rare-earth elements are essential mineral raw materials, but it is predicted that in a few years global mining output will not be able to meet the demand for them. The current study examines the connection between circular-economy practices in the rare-earth sector and sustainable development within the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (the 17 SDGs). A structural review of the literature identified 69 relevant articles in peer-reviewed journals. There are five key findings. (1) The different circular strategies are not equally employed within the rare-earth sector; (2) the recovery strategy is the main one employed; (3) the chief challenges to the implementation of circular-economy practices are operational and financial; (4) there is a direct relationship between circular-economy practices and sustainable development, especially for SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13; and (5) robust policy will help the implementation of circular-economy practices and the achievement of sustainable development. This study is novel because it sets out the present situation of the rare-earth sector in relation to the implementation of circular-economy practices in the production and operation phases to accomplish sustainable development. It enhances theory and practice by deepening our understanding of circular-economy practices in the rare-earth sector, particularly with respect to their impact on sustainable development.