Who Controls the World’s Critical Minerals? ft. Mahnaz Khan | Ep. 53

China's critical mineral supply chains, rare earths, cobalt, tariffs, US reliance—our latest episode unpacks how exposed America has become with our guest, Mahnaz Khan, VP of Policy for Critical Minerals at the Silverado Policy Accelerator.We dig into where we get the tiny magnets inside your AirPods, the subsidies that warp “free trade,” and the high‑stakes game of critical minerals exports and imports. From China’s early acquisition of DRC cobalt mines to the 95% U.S. dependence on Chinese rare earths, this conversation reveals exactly why critical minerals have become the centerpiece of global competition.You’ll hear Mahnaz explain the “Great, mineral hope” for domestic production, the urgency behind a proposed Trade Defense Pack, and the real costs of letting Beijing steam‑roll ahead. Whether you’re curious about the politics, the economics, or the tech under your fingertips, this episode delivers both insider insight and actionable takeaways.💎 Follow Mahnaz on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahnaz-khan🇺🇸 Follow Silverado Policy Accelerator on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/silverado-accelerator?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!#supplychain #chinaeconomy #minerals 00:00 Introduction03:02 Understanding Critical Minerals06:04 The Role of U.S. Trade Agencies09:05 China's Influence on Critical Minerals12:08 The Rare Earths Story15:00 Cobalt and Global Supply Dynamics18:12 U.S. Domestic Production Challenges20:48 China's Belt and Road Initiative24:10 Strategies for Ethical Supply Chains28:05 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life28:56 Understanding Bilateral Relations and Trade Policies30:07 Critical Minerals and Trade Agreements33:05 China's Influence in Global Supply Chains35:54 Challenges of Product Dumping and Tariffs38:56 Addressing Labor Issues in Mining41:59 The U.S. Perception in Global Markets44:04 The Role of the U.S. in Global Supply Chains46:02 Circular Economy and Recycling Initiatives50:00 Future Directions for U.S. Trade Policy