The Rare Earth Wars
17 October - 22 mins
Podcast Series
Newstalk Daily
Most of us have never heard of them, but rare earth elements quietly power almost everything we touch. From your phone to your electric car to the very microphone you’re listening to, these 17 minerals are the hidden backbone of the modern world.
On today’s podcast, Ciara Doherty explores the science and the drama behind these vital elements – and the increasingly tense battle for their control. Eoin McGrath, Principal Geologist with the Geological Survey Ireland, explains what rare earths are and why they matter for green energy, defence, and everyday tech. He also shows why extracting and refining them is so tricky — and why the world can’t afford to take them for granted.
Later, Arthu...
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