What are rare earths and why does everyone want them?
David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the competition for rare earths and criticial minerals and asks whether anyone can challenge China's dominance?
President Trump has signed a minerals deal with Ukraine, which will give the US access to some of Ukraine鈥檚 natural resources. The US president also said he鈥檇 like to take over Greenland and even Canada. Why? Well one reason may well be the rare earths and critical minerals found there. Critical minerals are vital for almost every industry from the manufacturing of computers to fighter jets. But in recent years the rise of green technologies has been fuelling demand for minerals used to make batteries for electric cars and other renewable infrastructure. One country dominates the minerals market - China - which has repercussions for the rest of the world, including the US. David Aaronovitch and guests discuss what and where these minerals are, why everyone wants them and how the rest of the world can compete with China.
Guests:
Ellie Saklatvala, Head of Nonferrous Metal Pricing, Argus, a provider of market intelligence for the global commodity markets.
Henry Sanderson, author of 鈥榁olt Rush, the Winners and Losers in the Race to Go Green鈥� and Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute
Sophia Kalantzakos, Global Distinguished Professor in Environmental Studies and Public Policy at New York University in Abu Dhabi and the author of 'China and the Geopolitics of Rare Earths'
Olivia Lazard, a senior fellow affiliated with the think tank, Carnegie Europe and Berggruen Institute
Presenter: David Aaronovitch
Producers: Caroline Bayley, Nathan Gower and Kirsteen Knight
Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
Sound engineer: David Crackles
Editor: Richard Vadon
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- Thu 8 May 2025 16:00麻豆官网首页入口 Radio 4
- Mon 12 May 2025 20:00麻豆官网首页入口 Radio 4
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The Briefing Room
David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.