Abstract. Thousands of electronics, aerospace, military, automotive, cleantech and renewable energy technologies rely on a range of rare earth elements (REEs) because of their unique physicochemical properties. Given their relative abundance in the earth's crust, however, they seldom occur in concentrated forms in economically exploitable ore deposits. The production can be technically challenging and require substantial and dedicated mineralogical, chemical and processing expertise. Furthermore, the chemical extraction processes have generated several environmental problems.This paper provides an overview of the supply chain for REEs, which generally consists of mining, processing, separation, application and recycling. The supply chain for rare earths can provide a useful context to analyze geological, technical, economic, environmental and social impact factors, and, moreover, it reflects the potential of recycling and reusing materials from finished applications. Subsequently, a more in-depth analysis of opportunities and uncertainties across the supply chain serving as a basis for procurement strategies of REEs will be highlighted.