How Do We Make Rare Earth Minerals Sustainable?

What do cell phones, computers, airplane engines, and wind turbines have in common? They all require rare earth minerals, and while these minerals can be mined and processed sustainably, they currently are not, leading to environmental, health, and national security issues. Today, we discuss these issues, and consider ways to clean up the supply chain, scale back on our rare earth mineral consumption, and make our phones and computers more eco-friendly. We’re joined by Joe Perrotta (Marist College), Melani Zuckerman (Boston University), and special guest Dr. Julie Klinger: Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Delaware and author of the award-winning book “Rare Earth Frontiers: From Terrestrial Subsoils to Lunar Landscapes.”