BocciaChoc
BocciaChoc t1_jahu1gq wrote
Reply to comment by _Darkside_ in German scientists show a commercially feasible method for cyanobacteria to extract 17 rare earth elements from low-concentration sources. Currently, most of the world's supply of these elements is mined in China. by lughnasadh
Evidently they do given that they are centralised in China
BocciaChoc t1_jahs6oa wrote
Reply to comment by yilanoyunuhikayesi in German scientists show a commercially feasible method for cyanobacteria to extract 17 rare earth elements from low-concentration sources. Currently, most of the world's supply of these elements is mined in China. by lughnasadh
in reality it's the damage extracting/processing that makes it viable for China over anywhere else given the West dislikes the massive ecological impact but China does not.
BocciaChoc t1_jajlexk wrote
Reply to comment by _Darkside_ in German scientists show a commercially feasible method for cyanobacteria to extract 17 rare earth elements from low-concentration sources. Currently, most of the world's supply of these elements is mined in China. by lughnasadh
You're comparing an apple to a car, one is the process of obtaining a resource whereas the other is a refining process, additionally one was essential at one point in history, has an industry backing it, and has the skills and base already to procure and complete all steps needed. You're comparing that to one which is centralised outside already which functions fully and due to the massive impact results in no reason (As we very clearly see) to move it away from said centralised location.
Can Europe and the US refine rare earth? yes, to imagine they couldn't would be rather idiotic. The main reason why this isn't done is due to ecological impactful reasons and thus remains the status quo.