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

Highlights

• 2025 was a year of unprecedented activity in the rare earth sector.
• The U.S. is recognizing the need for industrial policy in supply chains.
• Recycling and innovative technologies are crucial for future supply chains.
• The Pentagon's ban on Chinese magnets is a significant policy shift.
• Public sentiment is optimistic about Western supply chains rising.
• The bottleneck in rare earth supply is more about refining than mining.
• Engagement on social media has increased significantly in the industry.
• The future of critical minerals is tied to technological advancements.
• There is a strong need for feedstock in recycling processes.
• 2026 is expected to be a pivotal year for the industry.

Summary

In this milestone 50th episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, hosts Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor, along with guest Justas Valciukas, reflect on the significant trends and events of 2025 in the rare earth and critical minerals sector. They discuss the impact of recent policy changes, the importance of recycling, and the future of supply chains, particularly in relation to China. The episode also highlights audience engagement through a LinkedIn poll and shares favorite moments from past episodes, emphasizing the journey of learning and growth in this evolving industry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Celebrating Milestones and New Beginnings
• 01:06 Reflections on 2025: Trends and Changes
• 05:01 The Impact of Policy Changes on Supply Chains
• 10:22 Poll Insights: The Future of Critical Minerals
• 15:10 Recycling and Green Tech: Challenges Ahead
• 27:05 Highlighting Memorable Episodes and Guests

HIGHLIGHTS

• Chara Technologies aims to create rare earth free motors for EVs.
• The reliance on rare earth elements poses significant supply chain risks.
• The global market for traction motors is approximately $35 billion.
• Reluctance motors offer a different method of torque generation compared to traditional motors.
• Chara's motors are heavier but offer competitive efficiency.
• Intellectual property in software algorithms is a key competitive advantage.
• The cost of rare earth magnets constitutes about 40% of motor costs.
• Chara's motors are projected to be 15-20% cheaper in the long run.
• The Indian government is increasingly interested in supporting sustainable technologies.
• Chara aims to be a leader in motor design and manufacturing by 2025.

SUMMARY

In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, Dustin and Daniel speak with Bhaktha Keshavachar, CEO of Chara Technologies, about the challenges and innovations in the electric vehicle (EV) motor industry. Bhaktha discusses the reliance on rare earth elements in current motor technologies, the market potential for rare earth-free motors, and the unique approach Chara is taking with reluctance motors. The conversation also covers the company's commercialization strategy, intellectual property considerations, and future growth plans in the context of global supply chain dynamics and sustainability efforts.

CHAPTERS

• 00:00 Introduction to Chara Technologies and EV Motors
• 02:51 The Problem with Rare Earth Elements
• 05:49 Market Size and Transition in EV Motors
• 09:05 Understanding Reluctance Motors
• 12:05 Comparing Motor Technologies
• 14:56 Intellectual Property and Competitive Edge
• 17:54 Cost Analysis and Total Cost of Ownership
• 20:57 Supply Chain Resilience and Sourcing
• 23:58 Commercialization and Sales Strategy
• 27:00 Future Vision and Goals for Chara Technologies