The reality is that China is about the only country willing to process the rare earth minerals because of how incredibly toxic it is to the local populace. Many countries could choose to invest in processing plants but are unwilling to subject their citizens to the cancers they invariably cause.
Maybe that’s too generous. The wealthy don’t want them around, and it’s bad business to get your labor force unable to work.
The reality is that China is about the only country willing to process the rare earth minerals because of how incredibly toxic it is to the local populace. Many countries could choose to invest in processing plants but are unwilling to subject their citizens to the cancers they invariably cause.
Maybe that’s too generous. The wealthy don’t want them around, and it’s bad business to get your labor force unable to work.