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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. JAN 9

    S2 E50: Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Change

    Highlights 2025 was a year of unprecedented activity in the rare earth sector.The U.S. is recognizing the need for industrial policy in supply chains.Recycling and innovative technologies are crucial for future supply chains.The Pentagon's ban on Chinese magnets is a significant policy shift.Public sentiment is optimistic about Western supply chains rising.The bottleneck in rare earth supply is more about refining than mining.Engagement on social media has increased significantly in the industry.The future of critical minerals is tied to technological advancements.There is a strong need for feedstock in recycling processes.2026 is expected to be a pivotal year for the industry. Summary In this milestone 50th episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, hosts Dustin Olsen and Daniel O'Connor, along with guest Justas Valciukas, reflect on the significant trends and events of 2025 in the rare earth and critical minerals sector. They discuss the impact of recent policy changes, the importance of recycling, and the future of supply chains, particularly in relation to China. The episode also highlights audience engagement through a LinkedIn poll and shares favorite moments from past episodes, emphasizing the journey of learning and growth in this evolving industry. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Milestones and New Beginnings01:06 Reflections on 2025: Trends and Changes05:01 The Impact of Policy Changes on Supply Chains10:22 Poll Insights: The Future of Critical Minerals15:10 Recycling and Green Tech: Challenges Ahead27:05 Highlighting Memorable Episodes and Guests

    29 min

  6. JAN 2

    S2 E49: Revolutionizing EV Motors: The Chara Technologies Approach

    HIGHLIGHTS Chara Technologies aims to create rare earth free motors for EVs.The reliance on rare earth elements poses significant supply chain risks.The global market for traction motors is approximately $35 billion.Reluctance motors offer a different method of torque generation compared to traditional motors.Chara's motors are heavier but offer competitive efficiency.Intellectual property in software algorithms is a key competitive advantage.The cost of rare earth magnets constitutes about 40% of motor costs.Chara's motors are projected to be 15-20% cheaper in the long run.The Indian government is increasingly interested in supporting sustainable technologies.Chara aims to be a leader in motor design and manufacturing by 2025.SUMMARY In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, Dustin and Daniel speak with Bhaktha Keshavachar, CEO of Chara Technologies, about the challenges and innovations in the electric vehicle (EV) motor industry. Bhaktha discusses the reliance on rare earth elements in current motor technologies, the market potential for rare earth-free motors, and the unique approach Chara is taking with reluctance motors. The conversation also covers the company's commercialization strategy, intellectual property considerations, and future growth plans in the context of global supply chain dynamics and sustainability efforts. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Chara Technologies and EV Motors02:51 The Problem with Rare Earth Elements05:49 Market Size and Transition in EV Motors09:05 Understanding Reluctance Motors12:05 Comparing Motor Technologies14:56 Intellectual Property and Competitive Edge17:54 Cost Analysis and Total Cost of Ownership20:57 Supply Chain Resilience and Sourcing23:58 Commercialization and Sales Strategy27:00 Future Vision and Goals for Chara Technologies

    29 min

  7. 12/26/2025

    S1 E48: Unlocking Malaysia's Rare Earth Potential w/ Dr. Syed Muhammad

    HIGHLIGHTS Malaysia has significant reserves of rare earth elements.The country is focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction methods.Environmental concerns are now prioritized in Malaysia's mining sector.Technological advancements are crucial for the development of the RE sector.Collaboration with international firms is essential for progress.Malaysia's geological diversity offers various types of RE deposits.Awareness of RE potential has increased among local stakeholders.The government is planning to establish a local RE supply chain by 2030.Challenges remain in separating impurities from RE for commercial viability.Future research will focus on innovative and environmentally friendly extraction techniques. SUMMARY In this episode, Dr. Syed Muhammad discusses the potential of rare earth elements (REE) in Malaysia, highlighting the country's unique geological advantages and the recent shift in focus towards sustainable mining practices. He elaborates on the challenges faced in the extraction process, the importance of environmental considerations, and the growing awareness among stakeholders. Dr. Syed emphasizes the need for technological advancements and collaboration to unlock Malaysia's REE potential and outlines future research directions. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Rare Earth Potential in Malaysia05:02 Understanding Southeast Asia's Rare Earth Resources09:26 Overlooked Potential: Malaysia's Rare Earth Story14:38 Challenges in Malaysia's Rare Earth Sector19:09 Awareness and Environmental Concerns23:52 Future Prospects for Malaysia's Rare Earth Industry27:16 Research Directions and Innovations in Rare Earth Extraction

    32 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    S1 E47: Tactical Resources - The US needs new rare earth supply

    HIGHLIGHTS Tactical Resources focuses on American assets for domestic production.The Peak Project is strategically located in Texas, enhancing supply chain security.Clean processing is a key pillar of Tactical's operational strategy.The demand for rare earths is driven by various tech-enabled industries.Tactical is one of the few near-term solutions for US rare earth supply.The geological advantages of the Peak Project allow for unique processing methods.Tactical's processing is modular and scalable, allowing for flexibility in operations.The SPAC route provides Tactical with a platform to access public markets.Investor confidence will be built through execution and technical milestones.Partnerships in the ecosystem will be crucial for Tactical's growth. SUMMARY In this episode of the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, host Dustin Olsen and co-host Daniel O'Connor engage with Jeet Basi and Kanishka Roy, leaders of Tactical Resources, to discuss the company's strategic vision in the rare earth elements sector. They explore the unique geological advantages of the Peak Project in Texas, the operational insights that set Tactical apart, and the pressing demand for US-sourced rare earths. The conversation also delves into the company's plans to go public via a SPAC, the scalability of their processing methods, and the future outlook for investors in this burgeoning industry. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Tactical Resources and Plum Acquisition04:15 Strategic Vision and Market Positioning10:49 Operational Advantages and Scalability18:36 Geological Uniqueness and Processing Efficiency27:51 Going Public: Considerations and Challenges36:01 Future Outlook and Investor Opportunities

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dustin Olsen
  • Show Website
    Rare Earth Exchanges

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