DeepSummary
This podcast episode discusses the importance of rare earth elements, a group of 17 minerals with unique properties that are crucial for emerging technologies like consumer electronics, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. Demand for these minerals is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades due to the global push for green energy transition and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
China currently dominates the global supply chain for rare earths, controlling around 70% of mining and a staggering 97% of magnet production. However, other countries like the United States and the European Union are scrambling to diversify their sources and establish their own processing capabilities, recognizing rare earths as a matter of national security and strategic importance.
The episode explores the geopolitical tensions surrounding rare earths, with countries vying for control over these critical resources. It also touches on the environmental and social challenges associated with mining and processing rare earths, as well as potential alternatives, such as recycling and developing substitutes.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Rare earth elements are critical for emerging green technologies and the global energy transition away from fossil fuels.
- China dominates the global supply chain for rare earth elements, controlling both mining and processing capabilities.
- Other countries, including the United States and European Union, are actively seeking to diversify their rare earth sources and develop domestic processing capabilities.
- The control and access to rare earth elements have become a matter of geopolitical tension and national security.
- Environmental concerns and the sustainability of rare earth mining and processing operations remain a significant challenge.
- Recycling and developing substitutes for rare earth elements are potential solutions to address supply concerns and mitigate environmental impacts.
- International cooperation and a comprehensive strategy involving behavior change and increased energy efficiency are crucial for addressing the rare earth challenge.
- The episode highlights the complex interplay between scientific, economic, political, and environmental factors surrounding rare earth elements.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Without these minerals, we simply cannot function. We expect the demand for them to increase by 400% to 600% over the next several decades.“ by Misha Glenny
- “It's highly unlikely that one country in of itself, unless, like China, they started decades ago, is going to be able to source their minerals, process them, do the final product as well. There is going to require a group of countries getting together and say, we're going to pursue this sector and this industry and make it work for us.“ by Esme Stallard
- “We do need to have a strategy which is based upon, again, as Esme said, public commitment to the realization that if we're going to battle climate change, we have to, a, change our behavior and use less energy and b, use it much more efficiently than we have been doing up until now, which is really the sinoquanone, the absolutely essential preconditions we need in order to survive this.“ by Misha Glenny
- “Europe recycles just 7% of its rare earth metals, and that is absolutely atrocious because we could extract so much more.“ by Misha Glenny
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Episode Information
The Global Story
BBC World Service
2/6/24
As governments across the globe grapple with ways to tackle the climate crisis, seventeen critical elements known as rare earths are thought to be central to any future solution. These minerals are crucial to emerging technologies from consumer electronics to wind and solar energy production, making the market for them hyper-competitive.
Katya speaks with BBC climate reporter Esme Stallard and veteran broadcaster Misha Glenny about what has become a new geopolitical battleground. We look at the science and diplomacy behind these essential raw materials.
The Global Story delivers insights from BBC experts around the world, with Katya Adler. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Today’s episode of The Global Story was made by Laurie Kalus and Neal Razzell. The technical producers were Jack Graysmark and Jonny Hall. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.