Some might be surprised that President Donald Trump this week focused on a rare earth procurement agreement with the Australian government while he has highlighted the limited benefit of solar panels, wind turbines or electric cars. He is equally appalled by the destruction of large forests and farmland to create nature-killing turbines and hideous solar farms. (“PM gets a dream result with Don”, 22/10). Earth’s reserves are being depleted faster than any other technology by this obsession with inefficient energy production. Reserving the supply of rare elements for advanced computer electronics in military grade defense systems, medical therapies or cancer diagnostic intervention as well as satellite communication technologies, might indeed be the best way forward in the absence of a secure supply route. No doubt, recycling and extracting these rare substances from solar panels will be as energy intensive as their production. Trump does well to recognise the widespread use of these rare earth elements and to establish a secure source from a proven friend and ally. Alan Sexton, Parramatta 23 Oct 2025