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Rare Earth Exchanges

Rare Earth Exchanges

By: Dustin Olsen
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About this listen

 We're taking you to the heart of one of the most critical and underappreciated battles shaping our modern world: the rare earth element supply chain. Discover the high-stakes dynamics that are fueling international competition, from China’s commanding grip on processing, refining, and value-added production of rare earth elements to the industries and innovations that depend on these indispensable resources. Each week, we expose the geoscience, geopolitics, and economic forces behind the West's growing reliance on China—forces that are hidden in plain sight but impossible to ignore.Dustin Olsen Economics
Episodes
  • S1 E17 - Building a Project Directory for Investors

    S1 E17 - Building a Project Directory for Investors
    May 15 2025

    In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, the hosts discuss the development of a project directory aimed at investors in the rare earth sector. They delve into the complexities of ranking various mining projects based on factors such as location, project stage, mineralogy, and ESG considerations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding geopolitical risks and the need for a diversified supply chain in the rare earth market. The hosts also emphasize the significance of mineralogy and project stage in determining investment viability, while addressing the challenges and opportunities within the industry.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Rare Earth Exchanges Podcast

    00:46 Motivation Behind the Project Directory

    01:45 Backgrounds of the Hosts

    03:29 Overview of the Project Directory

    09:01 Ranking Methodology Explained

    12:12 Importance of Project Stage

    15:03 Key Milestones for Investors

    18:44 Understanding Mineralogy

    22:33 The Role of ESG in Mining

    28:31 The Importance of ESG in Investment Decisions

    29:07 Geopolitical Risks in Mining Investments

    31:59 Downstream Differentiation and Vertical Integration

    39:15 Metallurgical Testing and Reporting Standards

    42:49 Investor Strategies and Project Evaluation

    51:17 Challenges in Greenland Mining Projects

    53:26 Engaging with the Mining Community
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    56 mins
  • S1E15 - USA Rare Earth: Entirely domestic supply chain supplier (Guest: Joshua Ballard)

    S1E15 - USA Rare Earth: Entirely domestic supply chain supplier (Guest: Joshua Ballard)
    May 2 2025
    In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, Joshua Ballard, CEO of USA Rare Earth, discusses the company's journey in the rare earth industry, including their mining and magnet manufacturing strategies. He highlights the challenges faced in mining, the importance of government support, and the need for a domestic supply chain. Ballard also shares insights on the future of the industry, the company's production plans, and the differentiation of USA Rare Earth in the market.Chapters00:00 Introduction to USA Rare Earth02:14 Challenges in Mining and Processing Rare Earths06:47 Manufacturing Facility Developments10:55 Government Support and Strategic Plans14:46 Supply Chain and Offtake Agreements18:49 Future of USA Rare Earth and Market Dynamics22:34 Pricing and Competition in the Market26:36 Sales Strategy and Customer Engagement30:56 Conclusion and Future Outlook
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    32 mins
  • S1E14 - This is not a China issue, this is a U.S. issue. (Guest: Pini Althaus)

    S1E14 - This is not a China issue, this is a U.S. issue. (Guest: Pini Althaus)
    Apr 24 2025

    In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen interviews Pini Althaus, CEO of Cove Capital, discussing the critical minerals sector, the challenges of establishing a domestic supply chain in the U.S., and the global implications of tariffs and China's dominance in the market. Althaus shares insights from his extensive experience in mining, the importance of ESG practices, and the need for a coordinated global approach to address the critical minerals crisis. The conversation highlights the urgency for governments and industries to collaborate in developing sustainable supply chains and reducing reliance on China.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Critical Minerals and Cove Capital

    03:05 Pini Althaus's Journey in the Mining Sector

    06:01 The Challenges of Establishing a Domestic Supply Chain

    09:00 Global Dependence on China for Critical Minerals

    11:51 The Role of Government in Supporting Supply Chains

    14:59 ESG Considerations in Mining and Processing

    18:12 Future Vision and Strategic Partnerships

    20:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    32 mins

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