The New Yorker Radio Hour One Environmental Journalist Thinks that the U.S. Needs More Mining
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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.
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China's Rare Earth Dominance
- Rare earth metals like europium, crucial for electronics and renewable energy, are mostly sourced from China.
- China dominates the rare earth supply chain, from mining to refining, giving them significant geopolitical leverage.
Outsourcing Mining
- The US outsourced mining due to environmental and social concerns, leading to China's dominance in the industry.
- This outsourcing has created geopolitical leverage for China and shifted environmental burdens.
Reshoring Mining
- Be open to more mining in the US and Canada, despite its destructive nature.
- These locations offer better environmental and labor standards compared to other sources.
