rare earth

But later discoveries of rare earth minerals and abundant oil and gas put paid to that label.

China's recent willingness to turn supply of rare earths on and off has spurred trading partners to diversify their suppliers.

The two sides remain in discussions about issues including access to China's rare earths, its purchases of Russian oil, and US curbs on sales of advanced technology, including chips to China.

For almost 80 years rare earth metals have been pumped out of this industrial plant in La Rochelle on France's west coast.

"We just need to de-risk with certain strategic industries, whether it's the rare earths, semiconductors, medicines," he said at a briefing for reporters after the conclusion of the talks.