Reuters, Copenhagen, November 10-The Greenland Parliament passed legislation that would ban uranium mining and stop the development of the Kuannersuit mine, one of the world's largest rare earth mines.

Kuannersuit is owned by the Australian mining company Greenland Mining (GGG.AX) and is located near the southern town of Narsak. It contains a large number of rare earth metal deposits used to manufacture consumer electronics and weapons, as well as radioactive uranium.

The law was passed by Parliament late on Tuesday and was proposed by the Inuit Ataqatigiit Party, which came to power in April after campaigning to ban uranium mining and stop the Kuannersuit project (also known as Kvanefjeld).

The new law prohibits the exploration of deposits with a uranium concentration higher than 100 parts per minute (ppm). The World Nuclear Association considers the uranium concentration to be very low.

Under the leadership of the previous government, Greenland Mining Company has been expected to obtain final approval for the mine, but locals worry that if the mine is developed, it may damage the country's fragile environment.

The law also includes options to prohibit exploration of other radioactive minerals (such as thorium).

China is a major producer of rare earths, which are a group of 17 specialized minerals. In September, it raised its annual output quota amid tight supply from manufacturers. read more

With greater efforts to reduce carbon emissions, the demand for key rare earth permanent magnets for electric vehicles (EV) and wind turbines will soar. Read more The United States has urged its allies to help increase supply.

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