Are Rare Earths Truly Rare?

Geopolitics Politics World geopolitics, politics, world iNthacity Network March 8, 2025 0 Comments

The next great treasure hunt might just take place under your feet rather than in a forgotten chest. A question looms over our collective technological destiny: Are rare earth elements truly as rare as we’ve been led to believe? Peter Zeihan, on his channel "Zeihan on Geopolitics," has stirred the pot on this matter, spicing it up with his unique insights. As we navigate this whirlwind conversation, let’s delve into whether the world economy, our technological marvels, and even the coffee machines we absent-mindedly rely on each morning, are at the mercy of these so-called 'rare' earths.

Standing at the crossroads of technological advancement and geopolitical intrigue, one might wonder why the heartbeats of our flashy gadgets and smooth-running machines seem tethered to these elusive minerals. But hold your horses! Irrespective of what you’ve gathered from Dr. Google, Zeihan argues that rare earth elements simply aren’t as rare as they sound.

The Thrilling Geography of Rare Earths

Despite their misleading name, rare earth elements are surprisingly abundant in the Earth's crust. Contrary to biting your nails over China’s perceived monopoly, these crucial resources can sprout wherever common minerals like nickel, copper, and palladium are found. The twist? These elements lazily hitch a ride as byproducts when the rock stars of the mining world are dug from the ground.

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Drawing parallels with knights and jesters in a medieval court, imagine primary metals as the esteemed knights and rare earths as the jokers cracking jokes and tagging along for the feast without contributing much importance—until now.

The Chinese Conundrum

In the grand theater of economics, the repeat act comes from the Chinese playbook. Flashback to the 1980s and 90s, when China turned to rare earths as their next ace in a bulging deck of resource cards. Lured by allure and, admittedly, necessity, China’s strategy to dominate the rare earth market saw them sinking billions into a process known for being even more 'user-friendly' than a wild boar.

It’s a messy process—the method to refining rare earths is akin to brewing a potion from ancient alchemist texts. Imagine rows of colossal cauldrons, each more determined than the next to turn tons of slag into mere ounces of valuable metals. These are no Hogwarts potions classes; more like Mad Max: The Refining Race.

Yet, China’s no-nonsense appetite and willingness to wade through the muck ensured a profitable outcome. What do we get? An envious world looking over fences and through windows into China’s rare earth sheen.

Tech Solutions or Market Illusions?

Yet, let’s rein in the panic buying of tinfoil hats. Zeihan eloquently points out the global market isn’t quite at DEFCON 1. The mechanics of the Chinese dominance imply other contenders are begrudgingly waiting in the wings, ready for an encore should China take its final bow. The United States, Australia, Malaysia, and other nations have their own glimmers of refining prowess, just needing activation toward market liberation. Call it the geopolitical version of waiting for the elevator to arrive when you know you can take the stairs.

But wait, there's more! Peter Zeihan brings forward the pragmatic observation that these technologies—and the expertise to refine rare earths—have roots tangled deep in the 1920s. We’re not dealing with alien technologies, just a global game of Simon says—one slow step at a time.

Building Dreams from Dust

As one might wistfully sketch a future unshackled by the whims of supply lines, the song of the Earth's 'rare' elements is being played in the key of opportunity. Let's look ahead with inspired optimism rather than glassy-eyed wonder. Six months to a year, Zeihan suggests, and a world of engines, smartphones, and solar panels could be singing with re-liberated metals—all while dodging the spectre of ecological and geopolitical entanglements.

Observing the industrial landscape today might feel like watching a pot boil—interminably slow. Yet every second of patience brings us closer to a shimmering horizon of independence—where the ground beneath each step isn’t just rock and soil, but solid economic potential for a self-sustained market.

Stepping Back from the Brink

The elegant dance of diplomacy, trade, and industry may not always plant an easy waltz. Still, focusing solely on China as either a bogeyman or savior doesn’t hold water. We should be more concerned about the infrastructure underlying the transformation of bauxite into aluminum or lithium concentrate into lithium metal than we are about pointy jabs in the rare earth rhetorical play.

Just as finger traps test patience, flexing might solve what seems inevitable. In embracing shared aspirations over rare earths, we might pave a road laden with prospects and a world less prone to the inflationary caprice of unplastic scales.

Your Thoughts?

Could our penchant for immediate gratification be just another side road away from cultivating self-reliance in rare earths? How might we harness the humility of our fingerprints to embrace the world's wallflower elements? Are we caught between a rock and a rare place? We need your thoughts! Dive into the discussion, share your insights, and become a part of the solution. Welcome to the iNthacity community, where we shape the narrative with every shared thought. Apply to become "permanent residents then citizens of iNthacity: the Shining City on the Web," and make your voice part of the conversation by liking, sharing, and joining the debate.

Wait! There's more...check out our fascinating short story that continues the journey: The Journey Begins

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