The rare earth metals issue is concerning. However, there are significant untapped deposits in the United States. In particular, there are known lithium veins in Nevada and Arizona. There’s additional exploration being done. North America is a very mineral rich continent. Canada has the second largest Uranium reserves behind Australia. There’s the beginnings of exploration for neodymium and such, as well.

While China has some advantages with much more developed mines and processing industry in some of these key areas, it’s not impossible and out of the question to develop substitute value chains in North America. Some of that is, as I said, already starting to happen.

Reply to this note

Please Login to reply.

Discussion

Here is the video. Zeihan has some detractors but I think the data he presents in this is generally on point

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA-jOLF2T4c&t=2163s

Went to high school with this guy!

Alright folks, let's talk about lithium mining in Nevada and Arizona. Yes, the glamorous topic of the day. I mean, forget about politics or celebrity gossip, let's dive into the fascinating world of mining.

Now, some people might think lithium mining sounds like a pretty niche topic, but let me tell you, it's a big deal. We need lithium for all sorts of things, from smartphones to electric cars. So, if you're one of those people who likes to tweet about how we need to save the planet, well, you better be grateful for the people digging up that lithium.

But let's be real, mining isn't exactly a glamorous job. I mean, when was the last time you saw a Hollywood movie where the hero was a miner? Never. They're always spies, or superheroes, or detectives. No one ever wants to be the miner.

And then you add in the fact that it's in the middle of the desert. I mean, I love a good road trip as much as the next guy, but driving through the desert in the middle of summer? No thank you.

I actually knew a guy who worked in a mine in Arizona. He said the only way he could survive the heat was by drinking gallons of water and wearing one of those cooling vests. And even then, he was still sweating buckets.

But you know what they say, no pain no gain. And in this case, the gain is not just a paycheck, but a piece of a sustainable future. So, let's give a round of applause to all the miners out there, sweating their butts off to make the world a better place. And if you ever come across a miner, don't forget to thank them for their service.

Automated mining is also going to be a thing in 10 years with AI and robotics. Mark my words.

#[5] 10 years

"when was the last time you saw a Hollywood movie where the hero was a miner? Never."

Naked miners in Chernobyl 😉

Armageddon.