The Climate Question Is the race for rare earths good for the planet?
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Jul 21, 2025 Laura Bicker, BBC's China correspondent and expert on rare earth mining, shares her firsthand insights from crucial mining hubs in China. She discusses the rising demand for rare earths, deemed vital for renewable energy, while revealing the environmental costs tied to their extraction. Laura highlights the dichotomy between economic benefits and ecological damage, shedding light on China's dominance in this arena. The conversation also touches on the implications for global competition in rare earth minerals and a mysterious climate satellite that's gone missing!
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Rare Earths Power Green Tech
- Rare earth minerals are vital for permanent magnets in renewable energy and electric vehicles.
- Their magnetic properties improve efficiency and lifespan of technologies like wind turbines.
Toxic Impact of Rare Earth Mining
- Laura Bicker describes vast dust clouds and radioactive waste from long-term rare earth mining in Inner Mongolia.
- Toxic chemicals and tailings ponds threaten surrounding soil and water, impacting local communities.
Jobs and Leverage from Rare Earths
- China's rare earth sector brings jobs and economic growth to poor regions like Inner Mongolia and Jiangxi.
- However, the government uses rare earth supply as geopolitical leverage in trade negotiations.