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GM1E6AV10GW01
A worker at the Jinyuan Companys smelting workshop for rare earth metals, walks through thick smoke billowing from factories next door near the town of Damao, in Chinas Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region October 31, 2010. The near monopoly China has in producing 97 percent of the worlds supply of rare earths has been well-known among industrial users for years, but came under the international spotlight after reports Beijing halted shipments to Japan over a territorial dispute with Tokyo last month. REUTERS/David Gray (CHINA - Tags: ENERGY ENVIRONMENT EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS)
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In this print captured by David Gray for Reuters, a worker at the Jinyuan Company's smelting workshop in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region walks through thick smoke billowing from neighboring factories. The image was taken on October 31,2010, during a time when China held a near monopoly on rare earth metal production, supplying an astounding 97 percent of the world's needs. The photograph serves as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges faced by industrial workers in regions heavily reliant on resource extraction. As the worker navigates through the dense smoke surrounding him, it becomes evident that pollution and its detrimental effects are not limited to urban areas but extend even to remote locations like Damao. This particular image gained international attention due to recent reports of Beijing halting shipments of rare earth metals to Japan amid escalating territorial disputes between the two nations. It shed light on China's dominant position in this critical industry and raised concerns about potential disruptions in global supply chains. Beyond its geopolitical implications, however, Gray's photograph also highlights the toll such industries take on local communities and their environment. The ominous clouds of smoke serve as a visual representation of both economic progress and ecological consequences – reminding us that achieving sustainable development remains an ongoing challenge worldwide.
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