"reliance on rare earth minerals" There are plenty in the ground. Some in hard to get to (politically/socially) places. They can be recovered from devices if

"reliance on rare earth minerals" There are plenty in the ground. Some in hard to get to (politically/socially) places. They can be recovered from devices if that is a design criterion. Windmills are generally made from metals which are recyclable, silicon is the major ingredient of solar cells - most common mineral on the planet. But they can be recycled too. There is a lot of toxic waste generated using current technology, these are developing technologies which gives us a opportunity. Having a fetish for the free market will not help. All this requires planning, and markets do not make plans.