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How the US defence industry dodged a rare earths shortage after China’s curbs
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A rare earths factory, owned by Solvay, in La Rochelle, France.
PHOTO: DMITRY KOSTYUKOV/NYTIMES
Farah Stockman
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WASHINGTON - Tomahawk missiles are coveted by militaries around the world because they can hit a target about 1,600km away.
That accuracy is possible because their fins use powerful magnets made of samarium – a rare earths metal that can tolerate high heat.
