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US Moves Toward Full Domestic Control of Critical Rare Earth Elements

Source: Vertical integration of rare Earth elements for US autonomous dominion (2025-11-20)

In an era where artificial intelligence and autonomous military systems define national security, the United States is accelerating efforts to establish a fully domestic supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs). As of November 2025, reliance on China for these vital materials poses a significant strategic risk, given Beijing’s dominance over the entire REE supply chain—from mining and refining to processing. Kevin Chen’s recent analysis underscores the urgency of this shift, emphasizing that without secure access to refined REEs, the US military’s advanced capabilities—such as AI-driven drones, precision-guided weapons, and electronic warfare systems—are vulnerable to disruption or weaponization by adversaries. Recent developments include the U.S. government’s increased investments in domestic mining projects, notably at Mountain Pass, California, which is now expanding its capacity to produce high-grade REEs. The Department of Defense has also announced new initiatives to develop local refining facilities, reducing dependence on Chinese processing plants. Furthermore, the U.S. is fostering international partnerships with allies like Australia and Canada to diversify supply sources and establish resilient supply chains. In addition to these efforts, the U.S. is investing heavily in research and development to improve recycling technologies for REEs, aiming to recover materials from electronic waste and reduce environmental impacts associated with mining. The Biden administration has also proposed legislation to incentivize private sector investment in REE extraction and processing, including tax credits and grants. The strategic importance of securing REEs extends beyond military applications; they are critical for the green energy transition, powering electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. Recognizing this, the U.S. is also working to develop alternative materials and technologies that can reduce reliance on rare earths altogether. Globally, the race to dominate the REE market is intensifying, with China continuing to hold a significant share of the global supply chain, controlling approximately 60% of the world's rare earth processing capacity. Meanwhile, other nations are ramping up their own extraction and refining capabilities, with Australia’s Mount Weld project and Greenland’s rare earth deposits gaining strategic importance. The U.S. government’s recent actions reflect a broader strategic shift towards resource sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of resilient, secure supply chains for critical materials. This move aligns with the broader national security strategy to counter China’s economic and technological influence, ensuring that the U.S. maintains technological superiority and military readiness in an increasingly contested global environment. As the world’s demand for advanced electronics and green energy solutions grows, securing a stable, domestic supply of REEs will be pivotal. The U.S. aims to not only reduce dependency on China but also to lead in sustainable and environmentally responsible extraction practices, setting a global standard. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these initiatives can scale effectively to meet the surging demand and safeguard America’s technological and military edge.

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