The Arctic Discovery That Could Break China’s Rare Earth Stranglehold

Rare Earth Elements Power Modern Life

Most people overlook that 17 elements are essential to several critical aspects of our society: phones, electric vehicles, defense systems, and advanced medical equipment. Their importance stems from their 4f-electron configuration, which confers stable magnetic and chemical properties, including those of neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, and dysprosium.

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Scientific American notes that about 4.5 million metric tons have been mined worldwide, with 90.9 million metric tons remaining in known reserves.

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At the current rate of extraction, global supply could run out in 60 to 100 years, putting pressure on nations reliant on foreign sources.

China’s Dominance Creates Strategic Vulnerability

For the past three decades, China has led rare-earth mining and processing, with U.S. Geological Survey

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