As geopolitical tensions between the United States and China continue, the tech world faces a new challenge: China’s recent export ban on key rare earth minerals, Wyoming Public Media reports.
The restricted materials, including antimony, germanium, gallium, and tungsten, are essential components in LED lights, semiconductors, thermometers, and various military technologies.
Experts are now turning their attention to the Rocky Mountain region, which shows promise for rare earth mineral development. However, the industry faces significant hurdles before it can fully address the demand for these critical resources.
Caleb Josso, a senior policy advisor at the Institute for Energy Research, emphasized the importance of reducing dependence on China.
“Even if China was our best friend, which they’re certainly not, it would just be a terrible idea to put all of your eggs in one basket for such a critical resource,” Josso noted.
While rare earth mining activity is growing in states like Wyoming, current operations are not yet focused on the specific minerals affected by the export ban.
“There could be more vast amounts of these critical minerals in Wyoming, Colorado, or Montana, but we simply don’t have enough data,” said Josso.
Government policies and regulatory hurdles have historically limited exploration and development in the US Mining permits can take up to a decade due to environmental reviews, stakeholder consultations, and bureaucratic processes. This lengthy timeline has made the domestic rare earth industry an unattractive investment for many.
Despite the challenges, recent developments suggest a shift toward increased domestic production. Under the Biden administration, tax breaks have incentivized rare earth mining. Additionally, former President Trump signed an executive order to expedite the permitting process.
An antimony mine in central Idaho recently received its final permit, marking the first domestic operation of its kind since 2001. Perpetua Resources plans to redevelop the Stibnite Gold Project to mine both gold and antimony, with production expected to meet more than 35% of America’s antimony needs by 2028.
In Nevada, a tungsten mine is also undergoing permitting, further signaling renewed interest in critical mineral extraction.
Despite these efforts, Josso cautioned that the US is unlikely to achieve full self-sufficiency in rare earth minerals and will need to rely on partnerships with other countries outside of China. However, he reassured that the immediate impact on consumers is likely minimal.
“I don’t think there’s going to be one sudden moment where you can’t buy a thermometer anymore or night vision goggles are unavailable for the military,” Josso explained. “The effects will be more gradual.”
