America’s reliance on China for rare earth elements (REEs)—critical for EVs, wind turbines, defense systems, and electronics—poses severe economic and security risks. China controls over 85% of refining and 90% of magnet manufacturing, while the U.S., once a leader, abandoned production due to cost and environmental concerns. Federal policies and investments are restarting domestic mining, refining, magnet manufacturing, and recycling, but major gaps remain. Local communities play a decisive role: leveraging abandoned mines, brownfields, technical colleges, and infrastructure to attract investment. Building resilient, clean-tech REE supply chains can create jobs, strengthen security, and secure long-term competitiveness.

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