L2.6 - Rare Earths

Question 1

What percentage of global rare earth production comes from China?

Answer 1

85% - 50% of which comes from Baotou

Question 2

What are some examples of environmental degradation?

Answer 2

1. Landscape scarring
2. Oil spills
3. Forest clearance for food production
4. Groundwater contamination

Question 3

What 2 questions could be asked about resource demand by the growing middle classes?

Answer 3

1. Is it possible to meet demand - are there physically enough resources to do this?
2. It it can be met, what are the implications for the environment?

Question 4

What are some of the social implications of rare earth production in China?

Answer 4

1. Toxic waste is seeping into the groundwater supply thank to unlined containment pools
2. Production releases carcinogens, 17 have died and many more have cancer
3. Sheep developed 2 rows of teeth, couldn’t close their mouths making agriculture less viable

Question 5

Why has demand for resources grown?

Answer 5

1. Growth of the middle classes - more disposable income
2. Global population increases
3. Previously colonial countries have become more economically developed

Question 6

When and where did the first mine reopen in the UK extracting tungsten?

Answer 6

Devon, 2015 - Drakespit Mine

Question 7

How many cubic tonnes of CO2 did China release in 2014?

Answer 7

9.6 billion - The US was 2nd with 5.6 billion

Question 8

Why might countries not be motivated to ‘go green’?

Answer 8

They may suffer economically in the short term

Question 9

What motivates China to keep their promises on resource acquisition?

Answer 9

National pride following a famine in the 1950s