Concerns Over U.S. Dependence on Foreign Rare Earth Minerals

U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) has raised concerns about the nation’s reliance on China and other countries for crucial rare earth minerals.

Palmer spoke about this issue during a session with Chiffreyseldin from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the House Energy Committee on Tuesday.

“There are other things I want to talk to you about, and I think that’s really important right now. That’s the ability to access rare earth elements,” Palmer stated. “China controls 94% of rare earth refineries. They have the largest deposits of rare earth elements globally. The U.S. ranks seventh and lacks a major refinery for these elements anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.”

“We must be able to minify, process, and refine our own supply of rare earth elements. It’s important not only for our economy, but for our national security.”

– Gary Palmer

During the discussion, lawmakers stressed the importance of the U.S. fulfilling its specific needs for rare earth materials.

“I think we’re at a point where we must reevaluate permits and regulations to ensure we maintain our supply chain. Rare earth elements can be found in coal ash and even in discarded hard drives. But we need to have the capability to minify, process, and refine our own supplies. This isn’t just an economic issue; it’s critical for national security,” Palmer emphasized.

Zeldin, present to discuss his 2025 EPA budget request, echoed Palmer’s sentiments.

“We can benefit economically, but we must also view this as a national security issue. Sometimes, relying on other countries at crucial moments could jeopardize our preparedness here at home,” Zeldin noted. “This is a crucial priority for the National Energy Control Council and the Trump administration.”