The mines north of the town are the largest deposits of rare-earth elements yet found and, as of 2005, responsible for 45% of global rare-earth element production.
It's remarkable how much of the global rare-earth supply chain originates in this single mining district. That 45% figure really puts into perspective how geographically concentrated the production of these essential elements is.
Of course, this comes at a huge cost to the local environment and population.