Intensifying global race for critical minerals, two competing narratives unfolded this week on opposite sides of the Pacific. While Chinese authorities celebrated the discovery of massive rare earth, fluorite, and antimony reserves, strengthening Beijing’s grip on high-tech supply chains, Canadian officials at the world’s largest mining convention unveiled a C$1.5 billion infrastructure fund designed to […]
Japan is advancing plans for a potential deep-sea mining trial after successfully retrieving rare earth-rich sediment from nearly 6,000 metres below the Pacific Ocean, in what officials describe as a major step toward securing critical mineral supplies. The breakthrough, achieved by the deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and […]
The United States is intensifying efforts to reduce its dependence on China for rare earth minerals by turning to Brazil as a strategic partner, even as structural challenges in the global supply chain threaten to slow progress. Rare earth elements, vital for electric vehicles, advanced electronics and military systems, have become a focal point in […]
FT reports early US-Brazil talks on rare earth cooperation Washington seeks to cut reliance on China-dominated supplies Brazil holds world’s second-largest rare earth reserves Europe also competing for Brazilian critical minerals deals The United States is exploring a potential rare earth partnership with Brazil as part of a broader effort to cut its dependence on […]
Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals has expressed support for a new proposal from Panama’s government to allow the removal and processing of ore already stockpiled at the idled Cobre Panama mine. The company stated the move would address environmental risks without restarting the controversial mining operation. In a statement issued Thursday, First Quantum endorsed […]
In a major push for strategic self-reliance, the Indian government has approved a ₹73 billion (approximately $800 million) incentive package to build a domestic industry for rare earth permanent magnets. The move targets China’s overwhelming dominance in a sector vital for electric vehicles, wind turbines, consumer electronics, and advanced defense systems. The plan, cleared in […]
China’s long-standing dominance over rare earth elements has alarmed policymakers in Washington and allied capitals, but industry analysts argue the advantage is neither natural nor permanent. Rather than scarcity, they say, China’s leverage reflects political choices that markets are already beginning to unwind. Rare earth elements, a group of 17 metals essential to electric vehicles, […]
The United States has stepped up efforts to reduce global dependence on China for critical minerals, urging key partners and allies to strengthen supply chain resilience for materials essential to clean energy, advanced manufacturing and defence, according to officials familiar with the discussions. The push came during high-level talks in Washington hosted by US Treasury […]
Greenland has become the subject of intense global attention after social media posts claimed that a group of prominent technology billionaires, including Peter Thiel, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Sam Altman, are jointly investing in artificial-intelligence-driven rare earth mining while planning to build a futuristic “freedom city” on the Arctic island. A closer examination of […]
The United States is pressing its allies to move faster in reducing dependence on China for rare earths and other critical minerals, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning that progress to date has been too slow. Bessent will host finance ministers and senior officials from the Group of Seven, the European Union, Australia, India, South […]