Acclaimed Reuters reporter Ernest Scheyder reveals the trillion-dollar battle for the resources essential to power our future. As the world aims to transition to green energy, tough choices arise regarding the procurement of materials necessary for renewable technologies. The production of electric vehicles, solar panels, and other devices requires increased mining for lithium, copper, cobalt, rare earths, and nickel. However, mining is often met with public resistance, despite its role in combating climate change. This situation has ignited a global reckoning over sourcing critical minerals, and Scheyder's exclusive access allows him to report on the key players in this struggle. This narrative focuses on industry leaders, scientists, and policymakers rather than activists. Scheyder examines the implications of a proposed lithium mine in Nevada, which could help reduce global automakers' reliance on fossil fuels but risks the extinction of a unique flower. He also discusses a hedge fund manager's efforts to revive rare earths mining in California, which hinges on Chinese expertise, highlighting the complexities of mineral independence. The fight against child labor in Africa's mining sector is another critical issue, linked to the extraction of cobalt and nickel in Minnesota. Additionally, plans to mine copper in Arizona threaten a Native American holy site, raising ethical questions. Scheyder's exploration illustrates the
