The global race to find the next EV-mineral pot of gold

Trade & Border IssuesHot SpotsElectric VehiclesHigh Tech / High Touch
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

Countries around the world are scrambling to mine critical rare earth minerals because they are essential components in the production of a wide range of clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles. These minerals are called "critical" because they are not widely available and are essential to the development of new technologies. As countries aim to transition towards a net zero future, the demand for these minerals is rapidly increasing. The production of clean energy technologies requires large quantities of rare earth minerals, and securing a reliable supply is essential to ensuring the continued growth of the renewable energy sector. Additionally, the global push towards a green economy has led to an increase in the demand for other technologies that rely on these minerals, such as batteries for energy storage and advanced manufacturing processes.

However, the mining and refining of rare earth minerals are often environmentally and socially controversial, and many countries are seeking to establish their own domestic supply chains to reduce their dependence on other countries and to ensure the responsible extraction and production of these minerals.

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Jennifer Joslyn
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