Before answering the questions, read the "Background" and watch an interview with the CEO of Lynas Corporation under "Resources" below.

1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) For how long was the U.S. the global leader in rare earths production?
b) How did China’s communist government take over as major producer?
c) For what reason are the rare earths that are actually mined in the US shipped to China for processing?

3. What is the U.S. goal for funding Australia’s Lynas Corporation project?

4. a) How many rare earth elements are there?
b) List at least 5 products that require rare earths to manufacture.

5. When the Lynas facilities are both up and running in Texas, how much of the world’s rare earth elements will they produce?

6. What is the great concern over the Chinese communists being in control of something needed in the manufacture of so many necessary products?

7. In 2011, the Obama administration was aware of and concerned about the problem. Considering the problem of China controlling rare earth elements, do you think Trump made the right move to expand and fast-track permitting of potential mining – including rare earths – on federal lands? (note: environmental activists are opposed to all mining.)  Explain your answer.