In this week's Acadia Lifelong Learning Lunchtime Learning talk, we're joined by Dr. Scott Swinden, retired geologist.

For a brief time in 2010 and 2011, a relatively obscure group of elements, the rare earth elements or "REE", became media stars. Media stories noted that: 1) the REE are a critical component in a wide range of high-tech manufacturing applications and; 2) China had managed to corner more than 95% of the global REE market, giving it a virtual monopoly.

Amid reports that China was prepared to use their REE monopoly for their own geopolitical advantage, there was a rapid increase in REE prices as speculators and investors anticipated a looming shortage. This talk traces these events as an illustration of price bubbles and the ways in which states pursue their geopolitical agendas using their mineral resources.

Students, faculty, staff, and the general public are all welcome to attend.