Exploring Rare Earth Elements: A 60 Minutes Archive
In a compelling episode from 2015, “60 Minutes” delves into the world of rare earth elements—unconventional metals that are integral to the functionality of nearly all high-tech devices we rely on today. Renowned journalist Lesley Stahl takes viewers on a journey to the California mine where these elements were first discovered, uncovering the fascinating story of their origin.
The segment not only highlights the scientific significance of rare earth elements but also sheds light on China’s rise as the leading producer, dominating the global market and shaping the future of technology. With ongoing conversations about sustainability and supply chain ethics, this episode remains relevant as we contemplate the role of these vital resources in modern life.
“60 Minutes,” known for its investigative rigor and engaging storytelling, has profoundly impacted the landscape of news broadcasting since its inception in 1968. Subscribers can find more insightful reports and in-depth interviews on the official “60 Minutes” YouTube channel.
Join us to explore how rare earth elements affect our daily lives and why they matter more than ever. Don’t forget to subscribe and engage with us through our various social media platforms for the latest updates and full episodes.
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Video “Rare Earth Elements | 60 Minutes Archive” was uploaded on 10/31/2025 to Youtube Channel 60 Minutes



































Obama was not treating this as a threat of their dependence .they ruined everything
War times will need regulation to be eased .. bigger things are stake .
WELL WELL WELL, USA have monopolized other products and threatened the world since day one.
It’s no surprise if another superpower do something different.
USA monopolize:
Search engines (Google)
PC operating systems (Microsoft Windows)
Mobile app ecosystems (Apple App Store, Google Play)
Cloud computing (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud)
Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)
GPU and chip design (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
Payment networks (Visa, Mastercard, PayPal)
Aerospace and defense industry (Boeing, Lockheed Martin)
Entertainment and film industry (Hollywood, major studios)
Streaming platforms (Netflix, Disney+)
Software productivity tools (Microsoft Office, Adobe)
Online advertising (Google, Meta)
E-commerce platforms (Amazon)
Modern life depends on these elements….well previous to modern life no one cared and we didn't needed them…and this is 15 years ago………
Disgusting. Sickening. Laughable. And this is what Trump is talking about. MAKE LAW:NO MORE, ZERO, NOTHING SOLD TO CHINA
How can you be so stupid and shortsighted? You should not depend on your competitor to live. China can cut us off at any time. The Indiana plant that made magnets should have never been sold to our competitor. Why give the other team 50 points to start in a football game. Americans need to wake up as much as we love our technology and gadgets.
Anyone that is shocked by this.. Doesn't know American History all that well.
This report is alarming. So who truly controls the global supply chain for these critical minerals
10 years later we are kicking farmers of their land
Was gonna say no sh!T but saw it’s a “rewind” of 2015
Bring back incandescent lights! Our health depends on it.
@8:35 lol yep
What happened was greed. USA has incompetent rulers, not leaders.
60 Minutes is so full of snup. They never get anything right.
How much of this is fact and how much of this is fiction is open to debate and yes of course there is a water shortage in Iran due to climate change. Hard not to hear the despicable schadenfreude stab in this production. Iran continues to endure crippling economic war through sanctions now in their 46th year. Its fierce defense of its independence and sovereignty takes precedence over. even WATER and if need be it will sacrifice population numbers to thirst – so its adversaries can celebrate this or take serious caution at it, especially those who think that nuclear weapons will save them against the will of Iran. This is the oldest nation and water shortages have never been uncommon in its long history but rest assured that Iran will overcome this period which is far more than can be said for the waning US Empire and its allies, most specifically Israel who delight in Iran's misfortune and attempt to enhance them at every turn.
The only thing I see in this kind of videos are misdirection. I really envy people who dont see it.
Man, the sale of the company in Indiana was a colossal mistake.
So what, science is for nerds anyway!
Very informative reporting…
One thing I can give credit to China for, is that they are run by technically competent political leaders often with engineering degrees, not by clowns with law degrees who couldn’t hack it in the private sector
The media is what's killing this country, people like you
YOU CANT BELIEVE ANYTHING THESE PROPAGANDISTS SAY!
Constatin is an Israeli spy … Trust me
8:44 That F-35 looks a whole lot like the A-7, no?
"The us developed the technology and refined it, but China bought the factories and the patents from a company in Indiana. "
"We had to send people to China to train them on how to develop these products"
Hmm sound familiar?
Way to go China 😮
Don't blame china, blame outsourcing jobs and companies for cheap labor
Amen
At least we have a stable genius and a competent administration leading the country. Oh wait.
We were sold out, thank you hillary
Well GM (Delco) in Indiana had the tech in 1980s.. sad all of this stuff 40 years ago? shameless.
US labor and environmental laws are what caused a lot of our industries to move to China. You never hear that talked about.
3:54 China did not take anything ? WTF are you talking about.
6:17 Ignorance is bliss. MAGA On peeps
You are using my intellectual property at the patent office #POTUS #MondayNovember 24, 2025 #StolenBaller #VALOR
US weaponize sanctions and tariffs, China weaponize rare earth
Just proves how our political system has failed us.
Mining rare earth metals is a long-term investment. US companies don’t have the discipline to make a long-term investment because they measure everything in the profits in the next quarter. Sound familiar? China makes five year business plans. The US thinks about the next five countries they’re going to invade to steal their resources.
since 2015 USA have taken just 1 year
to bring supplies up to speed.
What are we talking about here
HAHAHAHAHAAAA
USA is the best at talking trash.
America sellouts first
The exact people attacking President Trump… on both sides, I'm talking about the RINO's… are WHY the CCP in China GOT OVER America by STEALING our KNOW HOWS and SECRETS, giving them GREAT PERKS!
All ALLEGEDLY… ask yourself?