I’ve made it

[widge]

They say size isn't everything.

I agree, but when you have a country that big, you would have to be very unlucky not to have most of the things that you need in or under the ground.

[Polarengineer]

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0kzpqzn ... h-minerals
seems to put the rare earth thing into perspective.

[Bayleaf]

Well, well, well! Who's going to inform the "smart" leaders of the world who are using this as an excuse to "colonize" other countries? Or are they just using that as a viable excuse (in their opinion)?

Interestingly, on our doorstep where there are old, disused gold mines, the powers that be are embarking on an exploration of probing deep into the ground under the mined areas to search for exactly these types of precious minerals.

[Hotrodder]

Interesting point. Gold and many other "precious" materials have been mined in both UK and France in the past. Mining ceased when the extraction became more difficult (expensive) so the mining companies looked elsewhere. It is a different situation recently and they are thinking about reopening the old mines in the light of the higher prices for many materials. I read a while ago that lithium is being mined in Cornwall. It would be nice if it created jobs for locals or at least brought in some sadly needed infrastructure for this forgotten corner of the country.