Paradoxically, mining rare earth elements - crucial for a number of green technologies - is potentially damaging for the environment.

矛盾的是，开采稀土元素会对环境造成潜在危害，但这些元素对许多绿色技术来说又是至关重要的。

youdao

Today, China produces 97% of the world's supply of rare-earth metals-a by-product of the country's vast iron-ore mining operations in Inner Mongolia.

今天中国生产了世界消耗的97%的稀土金属——这个国家在内蒙古大型铁矿开采的副产品。

youdao

Beijing, for its part, has long maintained that its export controls are designed to minimize the environmental impact of rare earth mining, while meeting the country's surging domestic demand.

ENGADGET: WTO ruling revives debate over China's rare earths trade

Not only does China have the blessing of favorable geology (ample resources), but the country actively supported its rare earth mining operations at a time when Western miners were closing up shop.

FORBES: Five Could-Be Bubbles Waiting To Burst

China began mining rare earth minerals in the 1980s, and by the mid-90s was well surpassing the U.S. in production.

FORBES: The Politics of Rare Earth