Prices will go back up because of simple supply and demand. Econ 101, familiarize yourself with it.Right, but as you pointed out, that's because strategic reserves are being released. Once that dries up corporations will go right back to gouging people just because they can.
Slave labor is not a requirement, and it still pollutes/destabilizes a lot less land than drilling for oil/fracking.
I was identifying a problem without a current solution, not "complaining." Nuclear power is the best stopgap for the US in particular until we reach a breakthrough in battery technology. That said, a lot of states also have the option to go 100% renewable right now.
It just so happens that rare earth materials for batteries are all mined in third world countries. Do you think they have a 40 hour work week and livable wages? I laugh in your general direction.
You admit that we are being transitioned to a technology that needs a breakthrough. At least we were able to meet part of the way. That's progress.