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60 Minutes March 24, 2026 1m

What are rare earths? #shorts

Summary

The main theme is the surprising importance of rare earth elements, which aren't actually rare but require specific, accessible locations for extraction. Key subjects include the periodic table elements 57-71, their magnetic, conductive, and optical properties, and their historical and modern applications in technology like televisions, cell phones, drones, and electric vehicles, as discussed by Professor Julie Klinger. The practical takeaway is understanding that while the elements themselves are abundant, the difficulty lies in economically and practically mining and refining them for their crucial technological uses.

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