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US President Donald Trump has demanded that Ukraine supply rare minerals to the US as a condition for continuing military aid to Ukraine. Since Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the United States has been providing large amounts of financial and military aid to Ukraine.
In return for that support, American President Trump has demanded rare minerals from Ukraine. In which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he is ready to accept investment from any country if it helps Ukraine in its war against Russia. According to
experts, these rare minerals are essential in electronics, military equipment and technology. Dysprosium, neodymium and cerium are rare minerals that are 'rare earth' are a group of 17 types of heavy metals. These minerals are actually found in abundance on the surface of the earth.
According to a study conducted by the US Geological Survey in 2024, there are approximately 110 million tons of rare mineral reserves worldwide. 44 million tons are in China, which is the world's largest producer. Similarly, 22 million tons are in Brazil, 21 million tons in Vietnam, 10 million tons in Russia and 7 million tons in India. Although found in these places, it is very difficult to mine these minerals.
Many chemical processes are required to extract these metals. This process produces a large amount of toxic waste. Many countries do not mine it due to environmental risks. These minerals are only found in very small quantities. Therefore, a large amount of stone should be processed to extract the pure metal in powder form.
Although these minerals are abundant in the earth, their extraction is expensive, complex and environmentally sensitive, so they are considered rare. 17 types of rare minerals are considered very important in industry. These minerals are used in various devices used in daily life from simple to high technology.
From 'lightbulb' to 'guided missile' these minerals are used. For example, europium is used to make television screens. Cerium is used to polish lead and refine oil. Lanthanum helps make the car's 'catalytic converter' more efficient. Neodymium and dysprosium are needed to make permanent and powerful magnets. This makes it possible to install turbines in the sea.
That is why Donald Trump is trying to make an agreement with Ukraine to provide military aid in exchange for the supply of rare minerals. For decades, China has made full use of its rare mineral reserves and invested a large amount in the processing industry. While Western countries have strict environmental regulations, China has been operating processing without strict regulation.
China has already registered many 'patents' on rare mineral products. Because of this, companies from other countries have been hindered from processing on a large scale. Because it is very expensive to process, many companies send their minerals to China for processing.
America and Europe are currently trying to reduce their dependence on China. Various European countries have made plans to increase their own production and improve recycling technology. In 2019, when the US-China trade dispute escalated, China also warned that it may stop exporting rare minerals to the US.
Similarly, in 2010, when China stopped the export of rare minerals in the border dispute with Japan, Japan had to suffer from its serious impact. After that, Japan entered into an agreement with the Australian company "Linas" and started supplying from Malaysia.
