The Strategic Significance of Rare Earth Minerals and Their Role in the Technical and Military Industries

Section: Research Paper
Issue
Vol. 20 No. 70 (2026): Regional Studies Journal
Pages
9-42

Abstract

Research Idea: The research examines the vital role of rare earth elements in high-technology and military industries, particularly in renewable energy, defense, and technological innovation. These resources have become essential to modern industrial development.


Objective: The research aims to analyze the strategic importance of rare earth elements to key industries, clarify their contribution to the development of military and civilian technologies, and anticipate future challenges associated with securing sustainable supplies.


Significance: The significance of the study stems from the emergence of rare earth elements as a strategic resource of the 21st century. They are used in fighter aircraft, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and communication systems, making them critical to economic development and national industrial security.


Methodology: The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach by reviewing the scientific literature and international reports, analyzing data on production, reserves, and global trade, and examining selected cases of military and technological applications.


Results: The findings indicate that rare earth elements constitute a cornerstone of high-technology and military industries and that securing sustainable supplies is essential to maintaining industrial and technological security. The challenges associated with extraction, processing, and distribution require long-term strategies to balance global demand with production capacity.


Conclusion: Rare earth elements have emerged as the “oil of the 21st century.” As strategic resources, they influence economic and military power. Continued global dependence on them without appropriate legal frameworks and sustainability strategies could exacerbate technological dependency and the geopolitical concentration of supply.

Keywords:

Rare Metals; Military Industries; Technical Industries; Vital Resources; Technological Security.

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Authors

Luqman O. Mahmood Alnuaimy

Regional Studies Center/ University of Mosul/ Iraq.

Mohamed A. Younis Al_Obaidy
Imad K. Ibrahim
Nema S. Srour

Identifiers

DOI: 10.33899/rsj.v20i70.63908

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The Strategic Significance of Rare Earth Minerals and Their Role in the Technical and Military Industries. (2026). مجلة دراسات إقلیمیة, 20(70), 9-42. https://doi.org/10.33899/rsj.v20i70.63908
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How to Cite

The Strategic Significance of Rare Earth Minerals and Their Role in the Technical and Military Industries. (2026). مجلة دراسات إقلیمیة, 20(70), 9-42. https://doi.org/10.33899/rsj.v20i70.63908