The US is trying to rebuild its domestic supply chain for rare earth elements, but is facing a challenge in finding talent to run the facilities. Rare earth plants are complicated and expensive to build, and chemical engineers and metallurgists experienced in rare earths have nearly gone extinct in America. The federal government and universities are trying to rebuild the pipeline of skilled workers, but the US produces far fewer mining graduates than China, and the industry faces an economic hurdle in attracting specialists.

For more, Carol and guest host Lisa Mateo speak with Jacob Lorinc, Bloomberg News Mining & Metals ReporterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.