This NPR Indicator podcast discusses the proposed US-Ukraine minerals deal, focusing on the strategic importance of rare earth elements and Ukraine's potential role as a supplier. The discussion explores the deal's complexities, including the challenges of mining and processing in a war-torn country, the uncertainty of commercially viable deposits, and the long-term nature of such ventures. A key fact highlighted is China's dominance in rare earth processing, making diversification a geopolitical priority for the US. The podcast concludes by noting the deal's potential to serve as a model for future international minerals agreements, despite significant uncertainties and potential risks.
