49. Rare Earth Minerals

According to the passage, why are rare earth minerals considered "rare"?
1. They are found in only a few countries.
2. They are difficult and costly to separate from other minerals.
3. There are only 17 different types in existence.
4. They are not used in many modern devices.
Which of the following is NOT listed in the passage as a use for rare earth minerals?
1. The magnets in wind turbines
2. The red color in television screens
3. The engines in gasoline-powered cars
4. The components in smartphones and satellites
The passage states that most of the world's rare earth minerals are produced by which country?
1. The United States
2. Australia
3. China
4. Canada
What is one major environmental concern associated with rare earth minerals mentioned in the essay?
1. They release harmful gases when used in phones.
2. The mining process uses too much clean water.
3. Chemicals from processing can pollute water and soil.
4. They cause electronic devices to overheat.
How does the passage suggest we might reduce the environmental impact of mining for rare earth minerals in the future?
1. By stopping the production of new electronic devices.
2. By finding new deposits in untouched wilderness areas.
3. By recycling old electronics to recover the minerals.
4. By using different chemicals to process the minerals.