<P> Another recently developed source of rare earths is electronic waste and other wastes that have significant rare - earth components . New advances in recycling technology have made extraction of rare earths from these materials more feasible, and recycling plants are currently operating in Japan, where there is an estimated 300,000 tons of rare earths stored in unused electronics . In France, the Rhodia group is setting up two factories, in La Rochelle and Saint - Fons, that will produce 200 tons of rare earths a year from used fluorescent lamps, magnets and batteries . </P> <P> In early 2011, Australian mining company, Lynas, was reported to be "hurrying to finish" a 230 million USD rare - earth refinery on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia's industrial port of Kuantan . The plant would refine ore--lanthanides concentrate from the Mount Weld mine in Australia . The ore would be trucked to Fremantle and transported by container ship to Kuantan . However, the Malaysian authorities confirmed that as of October 2011, Lynas was not given any permit to import any rare - earth ore into Malaysia . On February 2, 2012, the Malaysian AELB (Atomic Energy Licensing Board) recommended that Lynas be issued a Temporary Operating License (TOL) subject to completion of a number of conditions . On April 3, 2012, Lynas announced to the Malaysian media that these conditions had been met, and was now waiting on the issuance of the licence . Within two years, Lynas was said to expect the refinery to be able to meet nearly a third of the world's demand for rare - earth materials, not counting China ." The Kuantan development brought renewed attention to the Malaysian town of Bukit Merah in Perak, where a rare - earth mine operated by a Mitsubishi Chemical subsidiary, Asian Rare Earth, closed in 1992 and left continuing environmental and health concerns . In mid-2011, after protests, Malaysian government restrictions on the Lynas plant were announced . At that time, citing subscription - only Dow Jones Newswire reports, a Barrons report said the Lynas investment was $730 million, and the projected share of the global market it would fill put at "about a sixth ." An independent review was initiated by Malaysian Government and United Nations and conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) between 29 May and 3 June 2011 to address concerns of radioactive hazards . The IAEA team was not able to identify any non-compliance with international radiation safety standards . </P> <P> On 2 September 2014, Lynas was issued a 2 - year Full Operating Stage License (FOSL) by the Malaysian Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB). </P> <P> Mining, refining, and recycling of rare earths have serious environmental consequences if not properly managed . A particular hazard is mildly radioactive slurry tailings resulting from the common occurrence of thorium and uranium in rare - earth element ores . Additionally, toxic acids are required during the refining process . Improper handling of these substances can result in extensive environmental damage . In May 2010, China announced a major, five - month crackdown on illegal mining in order to protect the environment and its resources . This campaign is expected to be concentrated in the South, where mines--commonly small, rural, and illegal operations--are particularly prone to releasing toxic wastes into the general water supply . However, even the major operation in Baotou, in Inner Mongolia, where much of the world's rare - earth supply is refined, has caused major environmental damage . </P>

Name the most abundant element in earth s crust