NOTE to Students: Before answering the questions, read the “Background” and watch the video under “Resources” below.

1. a) What are rare earth minerals?
b) List several everyday products that your family uses in which rare earths are a necessary component.

2. Why did the U.S. and Australia sign a rare earths deal on Monday?

3. What provisions are included in the agreement?

4. a) How much of the market does China currently control?
b) Why is this a problem?

5. How is the agreement between President Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese viewed, according to the WCNC News video?

6. The market for technologies that require rare earths for production is growing. In the interview with rare earths company NioCorp's CEO Mark Smith, he says that the drilling that they are doing "is being done at the absolute highest standards possible...the standards that we meet for our technical work are as high as you can find." It is imperative for our everyday lives, as well as our national security, to have an ample supply of rare earth minerals for the products that need them.
Watch the videos and read the "Background" below.
a) What did you know about rare earth minerals before reading this article?
b) What do you learn from the Background that you think is the most important for all Americans to know? Explain your answer.
c) Whether you like President Trump or not, do you support his efforts to regain U.S. control over our rare earths mineral supply? Explain your answer.