Challenges in Global Rare Earth Supply Chain

The U.S. is struggling to reduce its dependence on China for rare earth minerals, which are essential for high-tech industries and military technology. Australia-based Lynas Rare Earths is set to build a processing plant in Texas, backed by over $300 million in Pentagon contracts, yet the completion faces significant delays due to environmental permitting issues and a slump in mineral prices since 2022. China currently controls about 70% of global production and over 90% of refining capacity, complicating efforts from the U.S. and its allies to establish alternative supply chains. Industry leaders express skepticism about the viability of these projects, with CEO James Litinsky of MP Materials noting that market conditions have derailed many initiatives. The situation is further exacerbated by China's recent discovery of a five-million-tonne rare earth deposit, reinforcing its market dominance. As nations like Japan have learned, breaking away from Chinese supply chains may require decades of persistent effort.