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Trump's Rare Earth Deal Falters Amid China's New Controls

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a one-year reprieve on rare earth exports.
Cracks in the deal appeared as China imposed new export controls on critical minerals.
The Bayan Obo mine, the world's largest rare earth site, faces groundwater contamination from a radioactive tailing pond.
Critics say China uses environmental concerns to limit U.S. access while keeping rare earth dominance.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed a one-year reprieve on rare earth exports.
Cracks in the deal appeared as China imposed new export controls on critical minerals.
The Bayan Obo mine, the world's largest rare earth site, faces groundwater contamination from a radioactive tailing pond.
Critics say China uses environmental concerns to limit U.S. access while keeping rare earth dominance.