Highlights

• The supply chain for rare earths is critical to modern technology.
• Rare earths are not actually rare; they are recoverable from known ores.
• The economic viability of rare earth mining is a significant challenge.
• Light and heavy rare earth elements serve different purposes in technology.
• Innovations in precision mining can reduce environmental impact.
• National labs play a crucial role in developing new technologies for rare earth processing.
• Collaboration between industry and national labs is essential for progress.
• The U.S. must reduce reliance on foreign sources of rare earths.
• Scaling production is necessary to achieve self-sustainability in rare earth supply.
• Public awareness and education about rare earths are vital for future developments.

Summary

In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, hosts Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor engage with Bob Fox and Travis McLing from the Idaho National Laboratory to discuss the critical role of rare earth elements in modern technology. They explore common misconceptions about rare earths, the differences between light and heavy rare earth elements, and the innovative approaches being developed to improve mining and processing. The conversation highlights the importance of national labs in advancing research and technology, as well as the challenges of scaling production to meet domestic needs.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Rare Earth Elements and Their Importance
• 01:34 Misconceptions About Rare Earths
• 08:43 Understanding Light and Heavy Rare Earth Elements
• 16:37 Innovations in Mining and Processing Rare Earths
• 24:30 The Role of National Labs in Rare Earth Research
• 30:43 Industrial Policy and the Future of Rare Earths
• 35:57 Challenges in Scaling Rare Earth Production