Pentagon works with U.S. rare earths company to counter China's dominance

The Pentagon is partnering with a U.S. rare earths company to reduce American dependence on Chinese supplies of critical minerals essential for defense and consumer electronics. Rare earth elements are vital components in smartphones, robotics, fighter jets, and drones—sectors where China currently controls a dominant share of global production and processing. The Trump administration's move reflects broader concerns about supply chain vulnerability and national security, particularly in military applications where reliance on foreign sources poses strategic risks. By developing domestic rare earths capacity, the U.S. aims to secure reliable access to materials that would be difficult or impossible to replace quickly in a conflict or geopolitical crisis.