The fact that by outsourcing jobs, we outsourced our pollution is one that should be more clearly understood by people. But, those under 45 don't remember the pre-EPA world. They take the cleaner air and water for granted.

I'm not sure that the linkage between outsourced pollution and lithium mining quite worked. The issues around lithium and the other rare earth metals are more complex than just the costs of the environmental damage that their extraction causes. Which you bring up.

These are the elements powering our emerging post industrial technology. However, is this demand long term, like oil? Or will better replacements be found for them in a few years.

Who knows?

The issues around these metals are complicated and I thought your piece got a bit muddled when you tried to herd those cats.

Thinking about "re-industrialization" is somewhat scary. It really signals that globalization is dying.