Rare-earth metals, Greece’s hidden treasure

Rare-earth metals are a group of 17 elements that, along with other critical raw materials, are used in the production of a wide range of high-tech products, from smartphones, computers, wind turbines and electric car batteries to defense equipment, lasers, optical fibers and aircraft engines.

The secure supply of such critical raw materials is becoming an increasingly important geopolitical issue, with the European Union eagerly seeking ways to reduce its dependence on China in this area.

Greece may be able to offer part of the solution, as there are strong indications of significant deposits of rare-earth elements, mainly in the north of the country.