The Nexus of Journalism and Critical Minerals

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Exploring the intersection of fact-checking in journalism with the increasing demand for critical minerals and metals in the energy transition. Delving into the vulnerabilities of global supply chains and the strategic implications of the United States' dependence on other nations for key technologies. Highlighting the environmental and social complexities of mining essential metals and the importance of establishing efficient recycling infrastructure for a sustainable future.

To build electric vehicles, solar panels, cell phones, and millions of other devices means the world must dig more mines to extract lithium, copper, and other vital building blocks. But mines are deeply unpopular, even as they have a role to play in fighting climate change and powering crucial technologies.

Shermer and Scheyder discuss: • How much rare earth metals will we need by 2050, 2100, and beyond? • How do lithium-ion batteries work compared to lead-acid? What are the alternatives? • Will EVs completely replace all other cars? • Can renewables completely replace fossil fuels without nuclear? • How mining works in the U.S., China, Chile, Russia, elsewhere.

Ernest Scheyder is a senior correspondent for Reuters, covering the green energy transition and the minerals that undergird it. He previously covered the US shale oil revolution, politics, and the environment at the Associated Press.