US-China trade: what are rare-earth metals and what's the dispute?
by Kalyeena Makortoff from Environment | The Guardian on (#4G344)
The metals are used to produce a number of goods, including mobile phones and cameras
What are rare-earth metals?
Rare earths refer to a group of 17 elements that are prized for their unique magnetic and electrochemical properties.
They include elements such as gadolinium, lanthanum, cerium and promethium, and are vital in the production of cancer treatment drugs, smartphones and renewable energy technologies.
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