Rare earths aren’t new—and despite their name, they aren’t especially rare. So why are they consistently making headlines in the business and technology news? On this episode of The WPI Podcast, we’ll break down what rare earths are, why they matter, and whether innovation can continue without them. We’ll also explore how WPI researchers are developing cleaner ways to recover critical materials, recycle existing resources, and help build a more secure domestic supply—including Adam Powell’s work to develop a new approach to magnesium production.


Rare earths aren’t new—and despite their name, they aren’t especially rare. So why are they consistently making headlines in the business and technology news? On this episode of The WPI Podcast, we’ll break down what rare earths are, why they matter, and whether innovation can continue without them. We’ll also explore how WPI researchers are developing cleaner ways to recover critical materials, recycle existing resources, and help build a more secure domestic supply—including Adam Powell’s work to develop a new approach to magnesium production.

E47: Rare Earths: Why They Matter and What Comes Next | Professor Adam Powell | Mechanical and Materials Engineering

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