The Rare Earth Bottleneck Isn't Mining—It's Processing

In this episode of Power Current, host Chris Berry sits down with Flemming Bjørnslev of Aquatech to explore one of the biggest challenges facing the global rare earth industry: processing. Flemming explains why the future of Western rare earth supply chains depends not only on discovering new deposits, but on building the technical expertise to separate, refine, and produce high-purity materials at commercial scale. The conversation covers the growing role of water management, solvent extraction, zero-liquid discharge systems, and integrated process design in creating bankable rare earth projects across North America, Latin America, Australia, and beyond. Chris and Flemming also discuss the geopolitical forces reshaping critical mineral supply chains, the rise of clay-hosted rare earth deposits, and why early technical partnerships are becoming essential for successful project development. Whether you're interested in rare earths, critical minerals, or the technologies enabling the energy transition, this episode offers a timely look at one of the industry's most important bottlenecks.