The Elements of Power: A Story of War, Technology, and the Dirtiest Supply Chain on Earth

The Elements of Power: A Story of War, Technology, and the Dirtiest Supply Chain on Earth by Nicolas Niarchos

There always seems to be a catch with technological solutions to environmental problems. Batteries help us use cleanly produced electrical power. However, modern batteries require rare earth metals which are primarily found in the Congo. A corrupt political regime is keen to extract bribes and kickbacks. Poor miners work in unsafe conditions and are willing to ransack te environment for a few more elements. The government has almost no money and provides little public service. Chinese companies are heavily involved and working to extract value. The few western companies are stuck between a rock and a hard place. If they play by all the western rules, the Chinese will corner the market for the elements. If they play by the unwritten Congo rules, they run afoul of the west. There is even an Israeli businessman who is often involved. The whole situation somewhat reminds me of how early America did what it wanted to achieve technological dominance over Great Britain. Now it is China's turn, with the Africans failing to reap the rewards, even as their leaders become rich.