Rare Earths Supply Chain Report

About the report

From the rare earth magnets in fighter jets to the lithium powering electric vehicles, critical minerals are the backbone of U.S. economic power, national security, and clean energy.

Yet the United States depends on foreign nations — often strategic rivals — for nearly all of them. China alone dominates up to 90% of refining for the most essential materials, giving it the power to disrupt America’s economy, defense, and clean energy future overnight.

Inside this Report

✅ Where critical minerals come from — and why the U.S. can’t produce enough domestically.

✅ How China built a near-monopoly on refining, processing, and magnet manufacturing.

✅ Real-world examples of export bans and price manipulation.

✅ Which minerals pose the highest national security and economic risks?

✅ The U.S. strategy — from domestic mining to “ally-shoring” with partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are rare earth minerals and why are they important?

Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 metallic elements critical for manufacturing high-tech products, from smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and defense systems. They are essential because they have unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties that cannot be easily substituted.

What does the Rare Earth Minerals Report cover?

Our report offers a deep dive into global rare earth and critical mineral supply chains, mining and refining capacity, geopolitical risks, pricing trends, and future demand forecasts. It also includes country-by-country breakdowns, major industry players, and emerging investment opportunities.

Why are rare earth minerals a supply chain risk?

The supply of rare earth minerals is highly concentrated, with China controlling most global refining capacity. This dependency creates significant risks for industries and governments in case of trade disputes, export restrictions, or geopolitical tensions.

How do rare earth minerals compare to other critical minerals in supply chain risk?

While rare earths face extreme refining concentration in China, other critical minerals — like cobalt, lithium, and gallium — also have similar vulnerabilities in mining and processing.

Which industries are most dependent on rare earths and critical minerals?

Sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy, defense, semiconductors, and consumer electronics rely heavily on rare earths and critical minerals. The report breaks down mineral usage by industry, with demand forecasts for the next decade.

Can rare earth minerals be recycled or substituted?

Recycling is possible but remains technologically and economically challenging at scale. Substitutes exist for certain applications, but often with reduced performance. The report evaluates current recycling initiatives and research on alternative materials.