Critical minerals are finally getting the attention they deserve. This year, rare earth elements have dominated headlines, whether because of geopolitical tensions in Greenland and Ukraine or escalating trade disputes with China. They loomed large in U.S.-China trade talks this week, allowing China to drive a hard bargain.
The 17 rare earth elements (REEs) are indispensable. They exhibit unique electromagnetic properties that make numerous technologies function—think smartphones, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, humanoid robotics, advanced defense systems, and more.
