"easily obtainable" is relative. For instance, Cobalt is actually less common in the Earth's crust than either of the two rare earths we most typically associa

"easily obtainable" is relative. For instance, Cobalt is actually less common in the Earth's crust than either of the two rare earths we most typically associate with magnets, Neodymium and Cerium. With Cobalt demand reaching unprecedented levels due to Lithium battery demand reaching unprecedented levels, this discovery in and of itself is not a simple economic win. Also, Magnesium is 20-25 times more common than Manganese. Just as well- production of Magnesium metal is pretty small because it's so difficult to work with.