The scarcity of mineral supplies due to worsening relations with China is an open and alarming question.

The problem is that China dominates the global production and supply of 30 out of the 50 minerals the Department of Energy considers essential. These minerals, ranging from lithium and cobalt to rare earths, are crucial for national security and the transition to a green economy.

Consider rare earth metals such as dysprosium, lanthanum, and cerium, integral to laser-guidance systems for weapons, jet fighter engines, anti-missile defense systems, and smart bombs. The United States relies on China for 70 percent of its rare earths — and an even greater share of other critical minerals.

Who dares claim that trade embargoes are relics of the past? China holds the power to halt mineral exports at a moment’s notice. Over the last year, it has imposed export controls on gallium, germanium, and graphite — all minerals essential for weapons production and energy transition technologies.

Most U.S. imports of these minerals come from China. Furthermore, China has banned the export of rare earth extraction and processing technology. Its next move could be to restrict exports of metals like copper and lithium, which are crucial for electricity transmission and the production of batteries for electric cars.

What is disturbing about our predicament is that over the last 30 years, we have neglected opportunities to reduce our dependence on China. The United States boasts immense mineral resources — worth an estimated $6.2 trillion. To leave them untapped is sheer folly. While Canada and Australia have continued to harness their mineral resources, the United States has failed to fortify its supply chains and protect against China’s potential export curbs.

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