_Darkside_ t1_jajcsn0 wrote
Reply to comment by BocciaChoc in German scientists show a commercially feasible method for cyanobacteria to extract 17 rare earth elements from low-concentration sources. Currently, most of the world's supply of these elements is mined in China. by lughnasadh
So your point is that Germany is fine destroying the environment on a large scale for almost worthless low-grade coal but does not want to do so for high-value rare earth.
If there were any known sources that are economical to exploit in Germany it would be done. Especially if that would reduce dependency on China. Similar story for the US.
BocciaChoc t1_jajlexk wrote
You're comparing an apple to a car, one is the process of obtaining a resource whereas the other is a refining process, additionally one was essential at one point in history, has an industry backing it, and has the skills and base already to procure and complete all steps needed. You're comparing that to one which is centralised outside already which functions fully and due to the massive impact results in no reason (As we very clearly see) to move it away from said centralised location.
Can Europe and the US refine rare earth? yes, to imagine they couldn't would be rather idiotic. The main reason why this isn't done is due to ecological impactful reasons and thus remains the status quo.
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