Can the United States摆脱 dependence on China for rare earth elements?

China holds over 2,000 patents in rare earth separation and purification—more than 80% of the global total. Every stage of rare earth refining worldwide relies on Chinese technology. These patents stem from decades of rigorous experimentation—not achievements attainable in one or two years—but rather the cumulative result of 40 years of sustained effort. China began mining rare earths in the 1960s and 1970s; initially, outputs were not heavily used in high-tech or defense applications. As technology advanced, however, rare earth applications broadened dramatically—and China seized this opportunity, leveraging the era’s momentum to perfect its entire suite of patents covering rare earth separation, smelting, and refining. Today, China stands as a true superpower in the rare earth industry—a position forged by historical timing and the diligence of the Chinese people. Thus, for the U.S. to advance, it must overcome this vast technological and patent barrier! Next, consider production capacity: China accounts for 59% of global light rare earth separation and refining capacity—and nearly 100% of medium-to-heavy rare earth separation capacity. In other words, virtually every country must send its medium-to-heavy rare earth ores to China for separation. China also commands 92% of global medium-to-heavy rare earth smelting capacity—though a small portion is separated in China and then shipped abroad for final smelting. Then there’s talent and supporting industries: Rare earth refining demands highly skilled workers and a robust ecosystem of upstream and downstream enterprises. China’s rare earth industrial clusters—in Ganzhou, Baotou, and elsewhere—host hundreds of companies, generating strong economies of scale. The rare earth industry employs tens of thousands of workers in China. Environmental protection and cost: Rare earth refining generates radioactive tailings and heavy-metal-laden wastewater—causing severe environmental damage. China has now achieved 100% wastewater reuse through membrane separation technology. Now consider the U.S. situation: Currently, the U.S. derives most of its light rare earth output from the Mountain Pass mine in California. In 2023, U.S. rare earth production totaled 43,000 tons—modest output, representing only about 12% of global production. Yet even after mining, extensive downstream processing remains essential. The U.S. rare earth supply chain remains weak in refining and other advanced stages: 90% of U.S.-mined rare earths must be sent overseas for refining—and 72% of those go to China.

The U.S. lacks rare earths while China lacks chips—why not simply exchange chips for rare earths?

A group of semiconductor heavyweights from the U.S., Japan, and Europe, along with EU officials, recently convened to tackle the question of how to reduce dependence on China for rare earths. After discussion, the room reportedly fell silent. Current data only deepened their dismay: In the rare earth sector, Western countries’ reliance on China for core materials and purification technologies exceeds 90%! As China tightens export controls on strategic materials—including gallium, germanium, and rare earths—the West has grown genuinely anxious. Yet many refuse to confront the reality of the gap. Some U.S. experts even soothe themselves with fantasies—claiming that if America just endures five more years and develops substitute materials, it can break free from China’s constraints and stage a dramatic comeback. But anyone with even basic industry knowledge knows this isn’t a comeback plan—it’s pure wishful thinking, self-deception dressed up as strategy. This ‘five-year breakthrough dream’ was absurd from the outset. Even some Western media have resorted to misdirection, attributing China’s rare earth dominance solely to its abundant ore reserves—implying that if the West simply invests more money to build mines, it can escape dependence on China. Frankly, that reveals a complete ignorance of heavy industry. China’s rare earth leadership stems not from having more mines—but from possessing world-leading rare earth refining technology. In fact, both the U.S. and Japan possess rare earth deposits; yet even when they extract large quantities, they still must ship their ores to China for refining into usable materials like gallium and germanium. That technological mountain is precisely what the U.S., Japan, and Europe cannot surmount. Take gallium—a material indispensable for chips—as an example. Many assume gallium comes from dedicated gallium mines. In reality, no such natural deposits exist. Gallium occurs in trace amounts—just 0.005%—within bauxite ore, invisible to the naked eye. Extracting industrially viable gallium is far harder than imagined. The first step is building a refinery—yet doing so generates massive volumes of highly polluting, energy-intensive waste. Environmental concerns, which Western nations routinely cite as justification for regulatory caution, would immediately become an insurmountable obstacle at this second stage.

REalloys CEO Analyzes US Reliance on China's Rare Earths

Sep 25, 2026

REalloys CEO Lipi Sternheim discussed national security risks stemming from U.S. reliance on Chinese rare earth imports, specifically yttrium and antimony, warning that shipment cuts threaten supply chain stability.

Fox Business

2026-06-07

MP Materials Corp Trade Ideas Highlight Rare Earth Strategic Importance

2026-06-24

Rare Earth Minerals Shape Global Economy as Nations Compete

2026-06-24

Analysts Offer Insights on Materials Companies: Albemarle, PLS Group, and Ternium SA

2026-06-25

U.S. Faces Tough Road Cutting China Rare Earths Dependence: Critical Metals CEO

2026-07-07

The U.S. Is Increasing Efforts to Rebuild Its Rare Earth Supply Chain