The "Critical Minerals" Crisis of 100 Years Ago

The Daily Planet #6: Network Wars
The planetary is not just about trees and coral reefs, but also about chips and rare earth minerals and economic sanctions. Social scientists - and physicists in their own way - keep reminding us that all information is material: a data center is a physical entity after all.
... See moreWe can expand that claim to say: all
According to data gathered by Jason Miller, a professor at Michigan State University who specializes in supply-chain management, China produces more than 70 percent of the world’s lithium-ion batteries, air conditioners, and cookware; more than 80 percent of the world’s smartphones, kitchen appliances, and toys; and about 90 percent of the world’s... See more