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What are Rare Earths actually used for?
According to US President Donald Trump, the USA and China have reached an agreement on the controversial issue of rare earth metals. These are needed for the production of many technical devices.
2025-06-12 04:40:09
Technology
The Significance and Challenges of Rare Earth Elements
Rare earth elements are crucial for modern technology, impacting everything from military applications to energy solutions. Comprising 17 unique elements, they enhance the efficiency and durability of devices.
Despite their name, these elements are not particularly rare but are often found in challenging combinations that complicate extraction. The environmental implications of mining these resources raise concerns, as toxic waste and radioactive materials can result from the processes involved.
Recent developments in US-China trade negotiations highlight the strategic importance of these elements, with China leveraging its dominance in production. A tentative agreement has emerged, ensuring the continued flow of rare earths to the U.S., though the intricacies of this deal remain uncertain.
As global demand rises, the balance between resource management and environmental responsibility becomes increasingly critical.
The press radar on this topic:
Yahoo News
What are rare earth elements and why are they important?
Rare earth elements, a group of 17 chemically similar elements, are essential for various technologies, enabling them to be smaller, faster, and more resilient. They are used in military applications and the energy transition, with specific rare earths like lanthanum, cerium, erbium, and yttrium having diverse applications. However, the extraction and processing of rare earths can have environmental impacts, as it often involves the use of solvents that produce toxic waste, and some deposits c..
Al Jazeera
What do we know about the US-China trade deal?
The 55% US tariff on Chinese goods includes a 10% baseline, 25% from Trump's first term, and 20% related to fentanyl. Walmart sources 60% from China, and small businesses face a 'death sentence'. Analysts expect more industry exemptions and tariff negotiations. US markets remained flat, balancing trade news with new inflation data. Experts warn tariffs will hurt US businesses and consumers.
New York Times - Business
China Walks a Line in U.S. Trade Talks, Trying Not to Overplay Its Hand
China is walking a fine line in its trade talks with the U.S., trying to balance its control over the global supply of rare earth metals and magnets with the need to avoid pushing the U.S. too hard and prompting it to reduce its dependence on China. China has used its rare earth dominance as leverage, but it knows it must not overplay its hand. An apparent compromise was reached, with China agreeing to resume sending rare earths to American companies, though the details remain unclear. China has..
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