Rare earth elements are often presented as the West’s Achilles’ heel, a fragile point in a sprawling industrial body that a single hostile actor could pierce.
The issue has been refining of those materials which has huge environmental impact. Unclear if more modern automated processes could be cost effective and reduce environmental hazards. We do have the ability despite awful shortages in the various engineering skills needed. Our needs may spark more such skills. Thankfully the US does have the ability to respond but will take time.
Malthusian analysis is nearly always wrong. In the 1960s, exploding world populations were projected to outstrip food supplies. In the 1970s, US dependence on limited supplies of key strategic minerals located in hostile or unstable countries were going to cripple our economy. In the 1980s, Japan was buying up our real estate and out-competing domestic car makers, dooming Detroit and domestic production. Somehow, none of these calamities materialized.
Your essay explains how this process of adjustment, substitution and innovation makes this possible.
The issue has been refining of those materials which has huge environmental impact. Unclear if more modern automated processes could be cost effective and reduce environmental hazards. We do have the ability despite awful shortages in the various engineering skills needed. Our needs may spark more such skills. Thankfully the US does have the ability to respond but will take time.
Excellent essay.
Malthusian analysis is nearly always wrong. In the 1960s, exploding world populations were projected to outstrip food supplies. In the 1970s, US dependence on limited supplies of key strategic minerals located in hostile or unstable countries were going to cripple our economy. In the 1980s, Japan was buying up our real estate and out-competing domestic car makers, dooming Detroit and domestic production. Somehow, none of these calamities materialized.
Your essay explains how this process of adjustment, substitution and innovation makes this possible.
Doggone it, you are throwing a wet blanket on my perfectly good panic.
I am more concerned that so many of our medicines come from China.
And? The same adaption process for rare earths works for medicines too.... and is happening.