The Hidden War for Rare Earths - and Why Canada Is the Prize
Manage episode 479421869 series 3661806
In this eye-opening episode of Bigger Table, we dive into the strategic significance of rare earth elements and explore their critical role in shaping the future of global power. Something seemingly as outrageous as Trump wanting to annex Canada opens up a larger conversation about control over these vital resources.
We journey into the world of rare earth elements, essential yet often overlooked components of modern technology and military infrastructure. From the neodymium in electric motors to the europium in your TV screens, we uncover how these 17 elements are the backbone of our daily life and national security.
Currently, China dominates the rare earth market, producing and refining the majority of these elements, a reality that poses strategic challenges for the U.S. and its allies. However, hope appears on the horizon with nations like Australia and projects within the United States working to diversify the supply chain.
The discussion turns to Canada's significance in this global race. While not commonly spotlighted in conversations about rare earths, Canada possesses vast resources within its politically stable and environmentally conscious land, making it an attractive yet strategic target.
With significant ongoing rare earth projects like the Necholaco Project and the Ashram Deposit, the episode examines why Canada, a nation rich in rare earth elements and economically tied so closely to the U.S., could transform from a partner into a critical asset in this modern-day resource-driven empire building.
We challenge the notion that modern empires require military conquests, instead suggesting that control over crucial resources like rare earth elements is the new frontier in global domination. As the need for these elements grows, so does Canada's strategic importance in the geopolitical landscape.
Join us for this compelling narrative that redefines how we understand power and influence in the age of technology and resource scarcity, and learn why Canada's minerals might just become the center stage of future global conflicts.
6 episodes