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Misha Glenny explores the world of rare earth metals and other critical raw materials. They are vital for the future of technology and the green transition. But some see China's monopoly on production as a major global threat.

Misha finds out what the 17 rare earth metals are and hears about their weird and wonderful applications. He also discovers how China has managed to dominate the mining and refining of them.

Misha also finds out that reducing CO2 emissions requires critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel but mining and processing them can harm the environment.

Guests:

Dr Julie Klinger, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences at the University of Delaware and author of Rare Earth Frontiers: From Terrestrial Subsoils to Lunar Landscapes
Sophia Kalantzakos, Global Distinguished Professor in Environmental Studies and Public Policy at New York University and the author of China and the Geopolitics of Rare Earths
Teresa Ponce De Leao, chief executive of the Portuguese National Laboratory of Energy and Geology
Henry Sanderson, author of Volt Rush
Guillaume Pitron author of Rare Metals War

(Photo: Labourers work at the site of a rare earth metals mine at Nancheng county, Jiangxi province. Credit: Getty Images)