In this insightful discussion, Erin Braun, The Economist's Mountain West correspondent, dives into the controversies of a new lithium mining boom in the American West. She sheds light on local community concerns about environmental and cultural impacts. The conversation also touches on the Biden administration's strategy for critical mineral supply amidst global demand and the historical challenges of mining regulations. Meanwhile, a poignant glimpse into life under siege in Kharkiv reveals the enduring resilience of its residents amid ongoing conflict.