Rare Earth Exchanges

Dustin Olsen
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 2D AGO

    S2 E59: Why Rare Earths Are Not So Rare w/ Travis McLing

    Highlights Geological formation of rare earth elementsDifferences between heavy and light rare earthsEconomic viability of rare earth depositsGeopolitical implications of supply chain controlInnovations in extraction and processing Summary In this in-depth interview, geologist Travis McLing from Idaho National Laboratory shares expert insights into the geology, formation, and economic considerations of rare earth elements. Discover why rare earths are not actually rare, the differences between heavy and light rare earths, and the geopolitical implications of global supply chains. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rare Earth Elements02:59 Geological Processes Behind Rare Earths05:48 Economic Viability of Rare Earth Deposits08:50 Understanding Light vs Heavy Rare Earths12:02 The Role of Ionic Clays in Rare Earth Mining15:05 Challenges in Prospecting for Heavy Rare Earths18:00 Market Dynamics of Rare Earth Elements21:06 Demand for Heavy Rare Earths24:00 Conclusion and Future Outlook26:30 High Stakes in Rare Earth Mining27:01 Misconceptions in the Upstream Supply Chain29:48 Understanding Market Dynamics and Production Challenges31:12 Identifying the Problem: A Historical Perspective34:46 The Need for Holistic Solutions36:05 Economic Realities of Rare Earth Production40:12 China's Market Influence and Future Scenarios42:48 Hope and Innovation in the Mining Sector45:58 Engaging with National Labs for Solutions

    45 min

  2. MAR 5

    S2 E58: Melissa Sanderson: A Journey Through Critical Minerals

    HIGHLIGHTS Melissa Sanderson has a rich background in diplomacy and critical minerals.The U.S. has historically neglected its mining industry, leading to dependence on China.COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains for critical minerals.The mining industry faces significant regulatory and financial hurdles.Public-private partnerships are essential for developing a robust supply chain.Education and awareness about critical minerals are lacking in the general public.The Critical Minerals Institute aims to bridge gaps between governments and investors.American Rare Earths is developing a significant project in Wyoming.The Cowboy State Mine has a promising deposit of rare earths.Investor confidence is crucial for the success of rare earth projects. SUMMARY In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen interviews Melissa Sanderson, director at American Rare Earths and co-chair of the Critical Minerals Institute. They discuss Melissa's extensive background in diplomacy and critical minerals, the historical context of the U.S. mining industry, and the current challenges faced in securing a reliable supply chain for critical minerals. The conversation highlights the importance of public-private partnerships, the role of media in educating the public, and the promising developments at American Rare Earths, particularly the Cowboy State Mine in Wyoming. Melissa emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues in light of geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Rare Earths and Melissa Sanderson01:03 Melissa's Journey into Critical Minerals07:36 Dual Roles: American Rare Earths and Critical Minerals Institute10:48 The Historical Context of Critical Minerals15:32 Current Awareness and Challenges in the Industry19:16 The Importance of a Cohesive Supply Chain20:49 Media's Role in Educating the Public27:55 The Critical Minerals Institute's Engagement31:56 Developing Rare Earth Projects in Wyoming32:09 American Rare Earths: Current Projects and Future Plans42:56 Financial Aspects and Investor Engagement

    40 min

  3. FEB 26

    S2 E57: Inside Earth AI: Cutting the Cost of Critical Mineral Discovery

    HIGHLIGHTS AI can reduce mineral discovery costs from hundreds of millions to under $1 million per discovery.The global decline in new mineral discoveries is due to exhausted “low-hanging fruit,” not a lack of minerals.Earth AI achieves higher success rates by adding geological context to anomaly detection.Vertical integration dramatically lowers drilling costs and logistical delays.Australia’s mining-friendly policies make it ideal for rapid exploration and development.Critical minerals supply is a geopolitical challenge tied to China and Russia’s dominance.Mining exploration should be treated as a scalable pipeline, not a lottery.AI can reveal entirely new “shortcuts” in exploration that humans may overlook.The next 10–20 years could redefine how mining and resource development operate.Abundance of critical minerals is essential for global reindustrialization and energy transition. SUMMARY In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen sits down with Roman Teslyuk, CEO and founder of Earth AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming mineral exploration. Roman shares his personal journey from geology student to global explorer, and explains how Earth AI uses decades of geological archive data to dramatically improve discovery success rates while reducing costs. The conversation covers the decline in global mineral discoveries, the inefficiencies of traditional exploration methods, and why vertically integrated, AI-driven drilling could reshape the critical minerals supply chain. The episode also highlights Australia’s mining ecosystem, geopolitical supply risks, and why the next decade may represent a golden age for mining innovation. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Earth AI and Roman Teslyuk01:08 Roman’s Journey into Geology and Exploration03:53 The Mission to Create Abundance of Critical Materials05:57 Why New Mineral Discoveries Are Declining09:44 AI vs. Traditional Exploration Methods11:25 Why Australia Is the Ideal Mining Environment14:11 Earth AI’s Team and Vertical Integration Model17:14 Economics of Mineral Discovery and Project Sales21:21 Technical and Industry Challenges of Using AI27:22 Cost Advantages and Operational Efficiency29:43 The Future Impact of AI on Mining31:45 How to Connect with Earth AI

    33 min

  4. FEB 13

    S2 E55: Aclara Resources: Pioneering Ionic Clay Extraction

    Highlights Hugh Broadhurst has a strong background in chemical engineering and lithium extraction.Aclara Resources focuses on heavy rare earths from ionic clay deposits.The company has a patented process called circular mineral harvesting.Aclara is in the final stages of obtaining permits for their project in Brazil.The timeline for production is set for mid-2028.Aclara aims to vertically integrate their operations, including a refinery in Louisiana.Partnerships with institutions like Virginia Tech and Argonne National Lab are crucial for Aclara's success.Market dynamics for heavy rare earths are evolving, with a need for pricing stability.Government support is essential for the heavy rare earths industry.AI is being leveraged to enhance exploration and process technology. SUMMARY In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen and co-host Daniel O'Connor welcome Hugh Broadhurst, COO of Aclara Resources. They discuss Hugh's background in the chemical industry and his transition to Aclara, where the company focuses on extracting heavy rare earths from ionic clay deposits. The conversation delves into the technical challenges of developing a separation plant, the geology of ionic clay deposits, and Aclara's project status and future plans. They also explore the importance of partnerships, market dynamics, and the role of government in supporting the heavy rare earths industry. Hugh shares insights on operational scalability, the integration of AI in exploration, and Aclara's commitment to providing clarity in the complex world of rare earths. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Aclara Resources and Hugh's Background02:53 Technical Challenges in Heavy Rare Earths Extraction05:48 Geology of Ionic Clay Deposits08:51 Aclara's Project Status and Future Plans11:50 Midstream Refining and Separation Strategies14:57 Partnerships and Pilot Projects17:52 Market Dynamics and Pricing Challenges21:00 Government Role in Heavy Rare Earths24:07 Operational Scalability and AI in Exploration26:58 Aclara's Integrated Approach to Supply Chain29:59 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

    31 min

  5. FEB 6

    S2 E54: Dr. Peter Tom Jones on Mining and Sustainability: A Complex Relationship

    Highlights Tom Jones combines metallurgy and environmentalism in his work.The public in Europe often opposes mining despite its necessity.The Critical Raw Materials Act aims to reduce dependency on third countries.Implementation of mining permits is a significant challenge in Europe.There is a lack of talent in the mining sector due to historical disinterest.Recycling of critical metals is currently not economically viable.The processing of rare earths is a complex and underdeveloped area in Europe.Climate change is impacting mining access in previously unviable regions.A consistent narrative is needed to promote the importance of metallurgy.Reindustrialization is essential for Europe to achieve its climate goals. SUMMARY In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen and co-host Daniel O'Connor welcome Tom Jones, director of the SIM2 Institute. Tom shares his unique perspective as a metallurgist and environmentalist, discussing the critical role of metals in achieving a climate-neutral society. The conversation delves into the paradox of mining in Europe, the challenges posed by the Critical Raw Materials Act, and the structural issues affecting the mining industry, including a lack of talent and public resistance. Tom emphasizes the importance of recycling and the choke points in processing rare earths, while also addressing the need for reindustrialization in Europe to meet climate goals. The episode concludes with a call to action for a consistent narrative around the importance of metallurgy in the transition to a sustainable future. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Metallurgy and Sustainability02:09 The Paradox of Mining in Europe06:01 Critical Raw Materials Act and Its Challenges10:33 Structural Issues in Mining and Talent Shortage17:14 The Choke Point of Processing Rare Earths25:04 Recycling Challenges in the Supply Chain32:49 The Future of Metallurgy and Education39:11 Changing the Narrative for a Sustainable Future

    43 min

  6. JAN 30

    S2 E53: The Critical Role of Potash in Agriculture w/ Millennial Potash

    Highlights Potash is primarily used as a fertilizer and is crucial for agriculture.Investment in resources requires a top-down approach, analyzing macro trends.The potash market is geographically concentrated, with major production in a few countries.Geopolitical tensions can impact potash supply and pricing dynamics.Solution mining is a more environmentally friendly method of potash extraction.Millennial Potash's project in Gabon shows promising geological results.Potash pricing is relatively stable and not heavily influenced by grade.Food security is increasingly recognized as a matter of national security.The U.S. government is becoming more involved in the mining sector.Local community engagement is essential for successful mining operations. Summary In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen and co-host Daniel O'Connor welcome Farhad Abasov, CEO of Millennial Potash, to discuss the significance of potash in the critical minerals space. The conversation covers the importance of potash as a key fertilizer, investment patterns in resource mining, market dynamics, geopolitical factors affecting supply, and the environmental considerations of potash mining. Farhad shares insights into the operations of Millennial Potash, including their project in Gabon, geological aspects of potash deposits, and the economic implications of potash pricing. The discussion also highlights the connection between food security and national security, emphasizing the need for countries to secure their own supply of critical minerals like potash. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Potash and Its Importance03:04 Investment Patterns in Resource Mining05:49 Market Dynamics of Potash Production09:01 Geopolitical Factors Affecting Potash Supply12:02 Mining and Processing Potash14:49 Millennial Potash: Company Overview and Project Details17:58 Geological Insights on Potash Deposits21:04 Economic Aspects of Potash Pricing24:04 Environmental Considerations in Potash Mining26:58 Food Security and National Security Connection30:07 Conclusion and Future Outlook

    35 min

  7. JAN 23

    S2 E52: Impossible Metals - Innovative Robotics in Deep Sea Mining

    Highlights Impossible Metals aims to deliver essential metals using innovative technology.Deep sea mining has a long history but is evolving with new tech.The company uses autonomous robots to minimize environmental impact.Polymetallic nodules are abundant on the seabed and easy to collect.Seabed mining is heavily regulated, similar to land mining.The economic model suggests deep sea mining could be significantly cheaper than land mining.Investor interest is growing as regulatory hurdles are addressed.The target market includes industries reliant on metals for technology and EVs.Environmental impacts of deep sea mining can be managed effectively.The company plans to conduct a test mine in 2027, with full operations expected by 2029.Summary In this episode, Oliver Gunasekara, CEO of Impossible Metals, discusses the innovative approach to deep sea mining using advanced robotics and AI technology. The conversation covers the formation of polymetallic nodules, the regulatory landscape, economic viability compared to land mining, and the environmental considerations associated with deep sea mining. Oliver also shares insights into the company's future plans and the timeline for their mining operations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Impossible Metals03:01 Innovative Technology in Deep Sea Mining06:08 Geology and Formation of Polymetallic Nodules09:03 Regulatory Framework and Licensing in Deep Sea Mining12:00 Economic Viability and Market Potential15:00 Technological Challenges and Solutions18:01 Funding and Investor Reception21:00 Target Markets and Environmental Considerations24:14 Future Plans and Timeline for Mining Operations27:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    36 min

  8. JAN 16

    S2 E51: The Myths and Realities of Rare Earths According to INL

    Highlights The supply chain for rare earths is critical to modern technology.Rare earths are not actually rare; they are recoverable from known ores.The economic viability of rare earth mining is a significant challenge.Light and heavy rare earth elements serve different purposes in technology.Innovations in precision mining can reduce environmental impact.National labs play a crucial role in developing new technologies for rare earth processing.Collaboration between industry and national labs is essential for progress.The U.S. must reduce reliance on foreign sources of rare earths.Scaling production is necessary to achieve self-sustainability in rare earth supply.Public awareness and education about rare earths are vital for future developments. Summary In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, hosts Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor engage with Bob Fox and Travis McLing from the Idaho National Laboratory to discuss the critical role of rare earth elements in modern technology. They explore common misconceptions about rare earths, the differences between light and heavy rare earth elements, and the innovative approaches being developed to improve mining and processing. The conversation highlights the importance of national labs in advancing research and technology, as well as the challenges of scaling production to meet domestic needs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rare Earth Elements and Their Importance01:34 Misconceptions About Rare Earths08:43 Understanding Light and Heavy Rare Earth Elements16:37 Innovations in Mining and Processing Rare Earths24:30 The Role of National Labs in Rare Earth Research30:43 Industrial Policy and the Future of Rare Earths35:57 Challenges in Scaling Rare Earth Production

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dustin Olsen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dustin Olsen
  • Show Website
    Rare Earth Exchanges

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