Elk Creek, Neb. (population 112), may not be so tiny much longer. Reports suggest that the southeastern Nebraska hamlet may be sitting on the world's largest untapped deposit of "rare earth" minerals, which have proved to be indispensable to a slew of high-tech and military applications such as laser pointers, stadium lighting, electric car batteries and sophisticated missile-guidance systems.
"Without these minerals, our cellphones would be 3 pounds," Quantum CEO Peter Dickie said.
Neb. mine find to challenge China’s dominance of vital rare minerals →
He said the date for mine construction to begin is "fluid," but hopes it will be in the next couple of years.
Neb. mine find to challenge China’s dominance of vital rare minerals →
