Pentagon Seeks to Break China's Dominance in Rare Earths Market
The Pentagon is making efforts to reduce the United States' reliance on China for rare earth elements (REEs), which are crucial for various industries, including electronics and defense. Rare earth elements, comprising seventeen chemical elements, are essential for manufacturing batteries, magnets, and luminescent materials used in smartphones, computers, and military sensors. They are also vital in the production of electric vehicle motors and serve as catalysts in automobiles and oil refining. Despite their name, rare earth elements are more geologically abundant than many common metals. However, the challenge lies in the concentration and purity of natural deposits and the energy-intensive processes required for refining. As of 2025, China controlled approximately 92.1% of the global rare earth refining capacity, highlighting the strategic importance of these elements. 
