The international profile of rare earth elements (REEs) has increased rapidly in recent years—highlighted by their importance in a wide range of applications including lasers, wind turbines, medical equipment, mobile phones, cars, electrical vehicles and defence equipment. Given the increasing demand for these minerals for crucial uses within the ‘green economy’, securing supply to the major consumers of REEs is essential. At the international level, the current dominance of China in known reserves, REE based processing, industries and international trade strengthens the country’s importance in geopolitical terms. This article provides a background to REEs at the international level, focussing on mining REEs in southern Jiangxi province in south east China and highlights the upcoming challenges faced by the sector.