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Geological Survey
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Get to Know the Terms: What Is the Difference Between Critical and Strategic Raw Materials and What Are REEs (Rare Earth Elements)?

Critical raw materials and their availability have been extensively discussed recently with regard to the war in Ukraine and security of supply in Europe and the United States. Many similar terms surface in the public debate that often get confused in the discussion. What are critical and strategic raw materials? And what are REEs, or rare earth elements? Senior Specialist Harri Kaikkonen explains the meanings of terms in this article in a series dedicated to explaining terms.

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