Post #2681768

2025-04-07 00:58 UTC

@BobLefridge@mastodon.nz one thing doesn't make sense: if these critical materials only come from China, how could the USA avoid a dependency? Seems like the ideal solution is an interdependency where neither trading partner wants to lose the other. Not that this would deter the Republicans either. > This didn’t need to happen. The warnings were there. The dependency ratios were published. The stockpile gaps were documented. But instead of building resilient supply chains, the U.S. chose to chase[...]

Replies (2)

@aatch@mastodon.nz 2025-04-07 01:23

@semitones@tiny.tilde.website @BobLefridge@mastodon.nz the article isn't quite clear, but my understanding is that a lot of these metals are distributed in low amounts basically everywhere in the crust. While America almost certainly has the minerals, developing the production chains necessary will take years, if not decades. So the issue is that China is the only significant source of these metals and the impact of their shortage is felt now.

Open ##2681769
@JizzelEtBass@kolektiva.social 2025-04-07 04:03

@semitones@tiny.tilde.website @BobLefridge@mastodon.nz Mining #RareEarthMinerals is an extremely hazardous process. I don't remember exactly, something like 12 tons of Radioactive chemical waste is creator every ton of rare earth. I will see if I can find it.

Open ##2681772