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This is one of the challenges of the trade war between the United States and China: rare earths. Metals essential for operating cell phones, computers or wind turbines. China is the world’s largest producer, but the United States is determined to exploit its own resources.
The only rare earth mine in the Western Hemisphere is located on a desert plateau nearly 1,500 meters above sea level between Nevada and California. It is a unique place in North America, and highly strategic. “These are very special minerals, with unique properties“, details Matt Schloustcher, vice president of communications of MP Materials.
These rare earths are used in particular to manufacture magnets, essential for electric motors and technologies. Medical imagery, cars, smartphones, rare earths populate our daily life. The problem is that like any mining activity, extracting and refining rare earths is a polluting process. Today, China controls 90% of the production of rare earths in the world and the United States is biting its fingers.
To fight against global warming, rare earths are needed, which make up solar panels, electric cars and wind turbines. France also wants to enter the race. There are small reserves in Brittany, but above all much larger deposits in the overseas territories.
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