Rare earths are among the most critical raw materials on the planet, deeply embedded in the technologies that underpin modern life. Yet few people have heard of them or know what they do.

Donald Trump has said the US and China’s deal to restore their trade war truce is “done” after two days of marathon negotiations in London. In a post on his Truth Social network on Wednesday the US president hailed a breakthrough reached in bilateral talks in London late the night before.

Officials from both sides are meeting on Monday in London, aiming to resolve differences over tariffs and supply chains that have endangered a fragile truce between the countries.