Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential ingredients in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and many electronics. As with most critical minerals, China controls the vast majority of the REE supply chain. And so when it banned the export of REE processing technology last December, it raised concerns about supply.
So what will it take to secure the supply of REEs?
In this episode, Shayle talks to Ahmad Ghahreman, CEO and cofounder of Cyclic Materials, a rare earth elements recycling company. (Energy Impact Partners, where Shayle is a partner, invests in Cyclic.) They cover topics like:
The five high-value REEs used in the permanent magnets inside EVs, wind turbines, and other electronics
The many steps in the supply chain, from extraction to end-of-life
Building magnets without REEs
Increasing production outside of China
The role of recycling
Why Ahmad is optimistic about developing a supply chain in North America
Recommended Resources:
MIT Technology Review: The race to produce rare earth elements
IEEE Spectrum: Who Will Free EV Motors from the Rare Earth Monopoly?
Are growing concerns over AI’s power demand justified? Join us for our upcoming Transition-AI event featuring three experts with a range of views on how to address the energy needs of hyperscale computing, driven by artificial intelligence. Don’t miss this live, virtual event on May 8.
