Episodes

  • S1 E17 - Unlocking the Potential of Brazilian Rare Earths (Guest: Bernardo Da Veiga)
    May 22 2025

    In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen and co-host Daniel O'Connor interview Bernardo Da Veiga, CEO of Brazilian Rare Earths. Bernardo shares his journey from banking to mining, detailing the unique characteristics and potential of the BRE deposit, which boasts unparalleled grades of rare earth elements. The conversation explores BRE's role in diversifying the global supply chain away from Chinese dependency, comparing it to other Western deposits, and discussing capital allocation, government support, and future prospects in uranium production. Bernardo emphasizes the importance of quality management and strategic partnerships in navigating the mining landscape.


    Chapters

    00:00 The Journey of Bernardo Da Veiga

    05:39 Exploring Brazilian Rare Earths

    10:49 The Economic Impact of BRE

    15:57 Comparative Analysis with North American Mines

    20:36 Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook

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    30 mins
  • 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)
    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)
    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
  • Domestic Supply Chains: Challenges and Opportunities
    Apr 17 2025

    In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, hosts Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor discuss the increasing interest in rare earth elements amid geopolitical tensions, particularly the trade war with China. They explore the implications of recent executive orders aimed at addressing national security risks related to the US's dependence on foreign minerals. The conversation also touches on domestic supply chain challenges, the political landscape surrounding mining regulations, and the future outlook for the rare earth industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Recent Developments01:46 Geopolitical Tensions and Rare Earth Elements10:52 Domestic Supply Chain Challenges18:01 Executive Orders and National Security25:49 Political Clashes Over Mining Regulations33:38 Conclusion and Future Outlook

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    28 mins
  • S1E12 - The Rare Earth Dilemma: U.S. vs. China
    Apr 11 2025

    In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, hosts Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor discuss the current state of trade relations, particularly focusing on tariffs imposed by the U.S. on China and their implications for the rare earth sector. They explore the impact of these tariffs on supply chains, the strategic vulnerabilities faced by the U.S., and the need for a robust industrial policy to compete with China's dominance in the rare earth market. The conversation also touches on recent discoveries of critical minerals in Kazakhstan and lithium in California, highlighting the importance of global collaboration in securing these resources.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Changes

    00:56 Impact of Tariffs on Trade Relations

    05:06 Supply Chain Disruptions and Rare Earth Elements

    08:09 Economic Strategies and Industrial Policy

    12:28 Geopolitical Tensions and Resource Control

    17:33 New Discoveries in Rare Earth Deposits

    21:39 Future Prospects and Closing Thoughts


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    25 mins
  • S1E11 - The Impact of Trump's Tariffs on Global Trade
    Apr 4 2025

    In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, hosts Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor discuss the recent announcement of sweeping tariffs by President Trump, termed 'Liberation Day for American industry.' They explore the implications of these tariffs on global trade, particularly focusing on critical minerals and rare earth elements. The conversation delves into the geopolitical risks associated with these policies, the potential responses from other countries, especially China, and the future of the rare earth market. The hosts emphasize the need for a strategic approach to supply chain resilience and the importance of industrial policy in competing with state-owned enterprises in China. They conclude with thoughts on the opportunities that may arise from these changes and the importance of being prepared for the evolving landscape.

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    21 mins
  • S1E10 - U.S. Strategies in the Race for Rare Earths
    Mar 28 2025

    In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, hosts Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor discuss the latest developments in the rare earths and critical minerals industry. They explore U.S. political strategies, China's dominance in the market, and the challenges faced by the U.S. in catching up. The conversation also highlights the rise of BYD in the automotive sector and the geopolitical implications of rare earth supply chains, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to secure resources and maintain competitiveness.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Rare Earths and Critical Minerals

    02:24 U.S. Engagement in Global Rare Earths

    09:20 Challenges in U.S. Strategy

    11:39 BYD's Rise in the Automotive Industry

    15:22 China's Geopolitical Strategy in EV Markets

    20:09 Emerging Players in the Rare Earth Supply Chain

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    24 mins