Scientists Accidentally Discovered an Ancient Underwater Island Packed With Rare Earth Elements

Scientists Accidentally Discovered an Ancient Underwater Island Packed With Rare Earth Elements

After finding red clay in the ocean that shouldn’t have been there, researchers discovered a submerged volcanic plateau off Brazil was once a tropical island.

Rare Earth Elements: 21st Century's Oil And The New Global Power Struggle

Today, the world holds an estimated 130 million tonnes of rare earth reserves. Of that, China owns the lion's share, 44 million tonnes, or roughly one-third of global reserves