This is the only rare earth mine in the US.
Why does it matter?
In the 1960s, the average American home used
around 20 chemical elements.
Today, it uses over three times as many, and
many of the niche but critical roles are filled
by some unexpected elements-- rare earth metals.
China had been blocking shipments of rare
earth metals to Japan since mid-September,
and to the US and Europe since October 18.
American manufacturers need to have access
to rare earth materials, which China supplies.
Without these metals, you wouldn't have a
working laptop, TV, speaker, or almost any
other device.
These metals are also essential for the Green
Tech revolution . Although the way they're
mined could be an environmental disaster.
New refining plan for rare earth metals has
become the target of environmental protests.
The mining of rare earth materials which is
probably the most destructive environmental
practice on the planet.
How did we get here?
