On Friday, May 2, 2025, the Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University hosted a compelling and timely presentation titled “Facts about rare earths” This event was part of the Brown Bag Research Seminar Series, which is jointly organized by the Economics Department and the Finance Department. It featured expert economist Dr. Dan Packey, a clinic professor for the Economics Department at Salisbury University.
Dr. Packey offered attendees a clear and insightful overview of the global economics, geopolitics, and sustainability challenges surrounding rare earth elements—materials essential to modern technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and smartphones. His presentation highlighted how the concentration of supply, coupled with strategic trade behavior and environmental constraints, poses a challenge to long-term sustainability.
Drawing on decades of experience in natural resource and energy economics, Dr. Packey unpacked key facts about production risks, market volatility, and the tools economists use to analyze and address supply chain vulnerabilities. His talk sparked meaningful discussion among students, faculty, and community members on the importance of technological change to ensure a more resilient future.
For more information about the Brown Bag Research Seminar Series, please contact Laura Villalobos at lxvillalobos@salisbury.edu.