The New Yorker Radio Hour
One Environmental Journalist Thinks that the U.S. Needs More Mining
Jan 14, 2025
The conversation takes a deep dive into the crucial role of rare earth metals in powering our gadgets and green technologies. Environmental journalist Vince Beiser argues for increased mining in the U.S., recognizing its environmental toll while stressing the need for these resources. The discussion highlights innovative methods like phytomining, which uses plants to recover metals sustainably. It also sheds light on the tension between mining policies and renewable energy goals, especially during the Trump administration's regulatory shifts.
17:31
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Quick takeaways
- Environmental journalist Vince Beiser argues for increased domestic mining in the U.S. to secure essential rare-earth metals for clean energy technologies.
- Innovative methods like phytomining could transform the mining industry, reducing environmental damage while addressing contaminated sites in developed nations.
Deep dives
The Importance of Rare Earth Metals
Rare earth metals play a crucial role in the technology that powers everyday devices like smartphones and electric vehicles. These metals, which include obscure elements such as europium, are essential for creating vibrant colors in screens and are vital for renewable energy applications. Notably, the extraction and refinement of these metals are dominated by China, which not only mines them domestically but also owns interests in mines worldwide. This reliance on a single nation for these critical resources has significant geopolitical implications, especially as demand for clean energy technologies rises.
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