December 17, 2010 - How many rare earth elements (REEs) are there? Find the answer in The World Factbook under "Definitions and Notes" (below the References tab). These critical elements, necessary in so many of today's high-tech industries, are now listed in the Natural resources field, under Geography, for countries that are producing REEs or initializing mining operations (including Australia, China, Russia, South Africa, and the US).
World Factbook Updates - December 17, 2010 (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/rss-updates/world-factbook-updates-december-17-2010.html)