Rare earth elements (REE) are the commodities that will dominate global trade. Nations that have these elements can control vital parts of the world economy.
The bad news is that China now holds this dominant role. The good news is that America, especially Alaska, has significant deposits of rare earths that could challenge this Chinese dominance. To be precise, 49 out of the 50 REEs are right here on American soil.
Why China is Ahead
In 2024, the International Energy Agency determined that China controls ninety-two percent of the REE industry. The organization refers to a 1992 remark by then-Chinese supreme leader Deng Xiaoping, “There is oil in the Middle East and rare earths in China.”
The reason for China domination is relatively simple. The United States and European nations imposed stringent regulations on the REE industry due to the Green agenda. Under those conditions, most firms in that space either closed or diverted their energies into other, less risky activities. China’s Communist government, on the other hand, is largely unregulated and allows terrible environmental damage, making production much cheaper.
Why America Needs Rare Earths
Developing rare earth elements is crucial for technologies vital to national defense, and the United States’ reliance on foreign suppliers, mainly China, poses significant risks.
Here’s how this dependence affects national security:
To reduce these risks, the U.S. government is diversifying supply chains, investing in domestic manufacturing, and exploring recycling methods. Strengthening Alaska’s rare earth sector would be a crucial step toward lowering dependence and protecting national interests.
This opportunity is undeniably compelling. The opportunity to force China to a secondary role as a supplier of goods crucial for defense and civilian manufacturing needs is highly desirable, if not imperative.
Why REEs Are Critical to U.S. Military Strength
Failing to develop rare earth mining could threaten the United States’ military strength. Here’s how hesitation impacts defense readiness:
A Worthy Goal, A Difficult Task
Thus, the United States needs to challenge China as the leading producer of REEs. Legislators need to loosen the draconian environmental regulations that hinder the development of these elements.
The security and economic well-being of the United States and the Free World demand an alternative to Chinese domination of this vital industry. It may take a lot of time to make this happen. However, America, and specifically Alaska, has the elements. That’s why it’s best to start right away.
