CNA Explains: What are rare earth minerals and why does US want Ukraine's deposits?

Washington and Kyiv have signed a new minerals deal that will see the United States invest in Ukraine's rare earth and other deposits. These rare earth minerals are essential for a broad range of products, including TVs, mobile phones, computers, electric vehicles, even defence equipment like lasers and sonar systems. Broadly grouped into 17 metallic elements, they are actually not all that rare within the Earth's crust. So, why is the US so keen on securing access to Ukraine's deposits? CNA's Yasmin Jonkers explains.

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