Laura Bicker
BBC China correspondent. She visited two of the most important rare earth mining sites in China and reported on the pollution caused by their extraction.
Best podcasts with Laura Bicker
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5 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 12min
Rare earths - The most important minerals you probably haven’t heard of
In this engaging discussion, Laura Bicker, a BBC China correspondent known for her keen insights into environmental issues, shares her firsthand experiences at China's rare earth mining sites. She reveals how these crucial minerals, found in everyday technology, pose severe environmental threats due to their extraction processes. Bicker delves into the alarming pollution levels, the toxic waste produced, and the health risks faced by local communities. Listeners gain a clearer understanding of how vital yet harmful these 'rare' resources can be.
4 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 28min
Is the race for rare earths good for the planet?
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!
