As the world pivots towards a green energy future, the dominance of rare earth elements has never been more crucial. Yet, while the West has been preoccupied with other geopolitical challenges, China has quietly taken control of this vital industry. This episode delves into the strategic manoeuvres that allowed China to secure a near-monopoly on rare earth p ... Show More
May 27
131 - Who Controls Eastern Congo?
The last few years have seen a dramatic shift in the balance of power in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with Rwandan-backed militias advancing in North Kivu, Ugandan forces launching cross-border operations, and Western powers quietly increasing their presenc ... Show More
1h 42m
Jun 7
China's dominance in critical minerals
Decades ago, China foresaw what the U.S. didn't - a future dependent on critical minerals. Now, the U.S. is playing catch up as China’s export controls threaten global supply chains. Join Laurie Chen, Ernest Scheyder and Jarrett Renshaw to hear the latest on critical minerals, pa ... Show More
18m 48s
Apr 24
The geopolitics of rare earth elements
China’s new export controls on rare earth elements (REEs) are a problem for EVs, renewables, and other industries that rely on the minerals, especially the permanent magnets they’re used in. The vast majority of the global supply chain is in China. Plus, Chinese companies control ... Show More
34m 24s
Apr 18
Holiday special: Driving toward a trade war with China
This week, EU Confidential is on a spring break — but with trade tensions between the U.S. and the rest of the world (China in particular) escalating, we thought it was the perfect moment to revisit a timely episode from our archives. As Trump’s new trade war heats up, with trip ... Show More
31m 33s
Jan 2025
China Plans Space Solar Array, Apple's First USA-Made iPhone Chips, and OpenAI's Economic Blueprint
We're experimenting and would love to hear from you!In this episode of 'Discover Daily', we explore China's revolutionary space-based solar power project, set to launch in 2028. This massive undertaking promises to deliver solar energy with six times the intens ... Show More
7m 53s
Apr 23
ICYMI: The Business of Rare Earth Materials in the US
ICYMI: Joshua Ballard, CEO of USA Rare Earth, discusses the challenges faces American companies interested in producing and refining the crucial raw materials that are used in the likes of missiles, electric vehicles, MRI machines and other advanced technologies - while China sta ... Show More
11m 37s