How China keeps a hold on the supply chain of critical minerals used for EVs and AI : NPR
China mines and refines some of the most sought after minerals the U.S. deems critical for technologies like semiconductors and electric cars. Yet moving the minerals' production away from China isn't so easy. SCOTT SIMON, HOST: China extracts and refines many minerals that are needed for semiconductors in our computers and the batteries in our electric cars. Some companies are concerned about relying too much on one country and are looking for other options. But as NPR's Emily Feng reports, it's not easy. CHERRY LIN: Thank you. (SOUNDBITE OF METAL BANGING) EMILY FENG, BYLINE: Cherry Lin, the diminutive co-founder of Taiwan Carbon Materials Corporation, likes to set things on fire. LIN: (Non-English language spoken). FENG: Wielding a blowtorch, she shows me how good graphite is at conducting energy. Various films coated in the mineral simply dissipate the flames, remaining cool to the touch. I'm getting into her show, so I point to a role of metallic vinyl. LIN: (Non-English language s
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