The old asbestos town at the heart of the rare earths race

In a bid to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies, Brazil is establishing its first facility for rare earth minerals, a critical component in US strategic plans. This initiative underscores the global race for control over these essential materials, pivotal for modern electronics and green technologies. The development in this historically asbestos-affected town highlights the complex balance between environmental concerns and economic advancement in resource extraction. This move could significantly shift the geopolitical landscape of rare earth mining.