Report Alleges Forced Uyghur Labor in Chinese Rare Earth Mineral Production

China remains the dominant global producer of critical minerals and rare earth elements, controlling around 77% of rare earth production despite holding 53% of global reserves. This dominance has heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly with the U.S., as seen in a recent dispute where China temporarily suspended exports of key rare earth elements, prompting condemnation from President Trump and subsequent negotiations to resume supply. Meanwhile, reports from Global Rights Compliance highlight serious human rights concerns, revealing that forced labor programs involving the Uyghur population in Xinjiang are linked to the mining and processing of critical minerals such as lithium, titanium, and rare earths, which feed global supply chains including those supplying the U.S. These forced labor practices, combined with lax environmental regulations, artificially deflate production costs and raise ethical and economic challenges internationally. President Trump has praised a recent deal with China to ensure the supply of rare earths and magnets to the U.S., aligning with his broader energy policies aimed at boosting American resource independence. The ongoing reliance on China's mineral production underscores the urgent need for diversification and ethical sourcing in critical mineral supply chains amid rising global demand for technologies powered by these elements.