A new cold war is brewing over rare earth minerals

The article emphasizes China's critical role in the supply of rare earth minerals crucial for technologies ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles. With over 90% of the world’s supply being sourced from China, recent trade tensions and export control measures have put the US auto industry on high alert. Experts warn of imminent supply chain issues, specifically concerning the rare earth magnets essential for automotive and electronic applications, highlighting the vulnerability of American manufacturers amid geopolitical strife.

Over the last 30 years, China has methodically cornered the market on mining and refining rare earth minerals, which are used to produce a variety of common items like passenger vehicles and everyday electronics.

According to analysts, more than 90 percent of the world's supply of those 17 elements at the bottom of the periodic table are mined, refined, and turned into rare earth magnets in China.

Read at The Verge