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News · 7 January 2026

The Hidden Materials Inside Your Phone That Control Global Power

The Hidden Materials Inside Your Phone That Control Global Power

Rare earth materials are a group of 17 metals vital to modern technology, despite their misleading name. They are used to make powerful magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines, enable smartphones, headphones and computer chips, and support military systems like missiles, radar and satellites. China dominates global supply because it controls most refining capacity. As demand for clean energy and advanced electronics rises, securing alternative rare earth sources has become a strategic priority worldwide for governments and industries alike.

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