If you’ve ever tried to order a pizza on a Sunday night during the Big Game, you know how frustrating it can be when you’re at the mercy of just one delivery option. Welcome to the world of rare earth minerals, where for decades, China has been the sole pizza joint, serving up a whopping 90% of the world’s supply!
But hold onto your hats, folks, because US-based MP Materials and Saudi Arabia’s Maaden just decided to open a few more establishments on this block. They are rolling up their sleeves to develop an alternative supply chain for those oh-so-precious rare-earth magnets—critical components for everything from electric vehicles and robots to missiles and drones.
Why does this matter? Well, when China restricted their exports as a response to tariffs from the previous administration, it left a gaping hole in the supply chain that’s as concerning as finding out your favorite cereal contains 90% sugar. With the demand for tech and green energy skyrocketing, a fresh supply chain could redefine the landscape.
So, grab your popcorn, because a new cold war is emerging over this silicon gold rush, and it’s one that no one saw coming. Will the US and its allies succeed in breaking China’s stranglehold, or will we forever be at the mercy of the dragon? You’ll have to read on to find out!
Leave a Reply