Frank Fannon, Managing Director of Fannon Global Advisors and the Former Assistant Secretary of State at the Bureau of Energy Resources, joins Worldwide Exchange to discuss the impact of the unstable political Afghan landscape on rare earth mineral mining, and what the ripple effects could be.
- Rare earth elements (REE) are critical for the development of renewable and battery technologies.
- Afghanistan has an abundance of rare earth elements, estimated to be worth $1-$3 trillion. China, the dominant supplier of REEs, could align with the Taliban to exploit these resources.
- The U.S. also has an abundance of REEs, but burdensome regulations and litigious activists have thwarted development.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of C3.
