Rare earth metals may sound exotic, but they have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Rare metals such as neodymium and lithium are indispensable in our smartphones, electric cars and even in green technology.

In an age characterized by technological marvels and an ever-increasing reliance on digital devices, an important but overshadowed component powers our devices - rare metals. Guillaume Pitron's book The War of Rare Metals sheds light on the hidden aspects of our modern lives and highlights the geopolitical, environmental and economic impact of rare metal dependence.

Guillaume Pitron is more than just an investigative journalist; he is a seeker of truth with the ability to package complex issues into understandable narratives. Pitron has dedicated more than a decade to researching the environmental and economic challenges posed by natural resources. His awards and extensive research background form the basis of an authoritative study on rare metals. One of the most remarkable aspects of Pitron's approach is his investigative work in the field. Through his extensive travels to mines and production sites, Pitron humanizes the technical subject matter. These trips, peppered with personal anecdotes, offer the reader a direct insight into the lives affected by this shadowy industry. The scramble for rare metals is not just a market dynamic, but a geopolitical chess game. From China's dominance to the burgeoning efforts of Western nations, Pitron examines the international power struggle for control of these precious resources.

Guillaume Pitron's The Rare Metals War is a groundbreaking examination of the unseen forces that drive our modern world. Combining meticulous research with compelling narrative, Pitron challenges readers to confront the hidden realities.


Szabolcs Veres is a researcher at the Eurasia Center