State of the World from NPR The Global Race for Rare Earth Minerals
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Mar 26, 2025 The hunt for rare earth minerals is heating up, with the U.S. struggling to keep pace with China's dominance. These critical resources are vital for our technology-driven world. The discussion reveals the geopolitical implications of this cutthroat competition. With the demand for these minerals soaring, both nations are reshaping their strategies, highlighting the urgency of production and investment. As tensions rise, the challenges of accessing these valuable deposits become even more complex.
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Global Race for Critical Minerals
- Countries like Greenland, Canada, and Ukraine have become targets due to their rich deposits of critical minerals.
- These minerals, essential for modern technology and renewable energy, are in high demand, sparking a global race.
US Vulnerability in Critical Mineral Supply
- The U.S. lags behind in securing these resources, making it vulnerable to geopolitical influence.
- China controls a significant portion of the rare earth and critical mineral supply chain.
China's Dominance
- China actively seeks and controls these resources, even venturing into conflict zones to secure them.
- They are aggressively expanding their market share and investments in critical minerals.