Editorial
Utah’s Critical Minerals Edge: Fueling America’s Defense Independence in the Rare Earth Race
In a pivotal move for U.S. national security, the Pentagon invested $400 million in MP Materials on July 10, 2025, securing a 15% stake to build domestic rare earth magnet production and reduce China’s dominance. This echoes Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams’ January vision of leveraging the state’s 40 critical minerals to fuel AI and defense. Energy Fuels’ White Mesa Mill stands ready to complement, processing key REEs for military tech and sovereignty.
This morning, as I scrolled through X and came across a thread breaking down the Pentagon’s bold $400 million move into MP Materials, it hit me like a jolt of clarity.
Here we are, finally taking concrete steps to wrest control of rare earth elements (REEs) from China’s grip, and it all echoes back to the vision Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams laid out in his opening session speech back in January. Listening to that address—titled “The Utah Dream”—left me pondering how our state’s untapped resources could be the linchpin in safeguarding America’s defense edge. Adams’ words, “Right here in Utah, we have 40 of the 50 critical minerals needed in the world. Utah holds a key to strengthening our nation’s national security,” weren’t just aspirational; they were a call to action that has stuck with me, especially now as global tensions ratchet up and supply chains fray. Reflecting on that speech today, amid news of the DoD’s investment, reinforces my conviction: If we don’t harness what we have at home, we’re leaving our military—and our sovereignty—vulnerable. The X thread’s emphasis on the DoD becoming MP’s largest shareholder and funding a new magnet facility got me thinking about how Utah’s processing capabilities could complement this, turning Adams’ dream into a strategic reality.
These 17 metals aren’t abstract commodities; they’re the unseen force behind F-35 jet engines (over 900 pounds per plane), precision-guided munitions, missile tracking systems, AI hardware, and electric motors that keep our forces ahead. On July 10, 2025, the Department of Defense announced that strategic investment in MP Materials, our nation’s primary REE mining and processing firm, positioning us to reclaim those supply chains. MP’s shares surged over 50%, a market vote of confidence in this pivot. But as that X thread highlighted the DoD’s stake and the urgency of onshoring, it prompted me to revisit Adams’ emphasis on Utah’s role—thoughts that have been brewing since I first heard him speak of tripling our energy output to fuel the AI arms race.
Expanding on President Adams’ Vision: The Utah Dream in Detail
In his January 21, 2025, opening day speech to the Utah Senate, President J. Stuart Adams painted a vivid picture of “The Utah Dream,” a vision rooted in preserving our republican form of government, fostering innovation, and positioning Utah as a leader in energy, AI, and national security. Drawing from Utah’s pioneer heritage, Adams emphasized the need to protect family, community, and opportunity amid modern challenges. He highlighted Utah’s unique position: “Right here in Utah, we have 40 of the 50 critical minerals needed in the world. Utah holds a key to strengthening our nation’s national security.” This wasn’t mere boosterism; Adams connected it to a “global arms race to control artificial intelligence,” warning that AI demands unprecedented energy and mineral resources. He called for tripling Utah’s energy production by 2050—through nuclear, geothermal, hydrogen, and expanded mineral extraction—to power AI data centers, electric vehicles, and defense technologies while reducing reliance on foreign adversaries like China.
Adams’ speech delved deeper into strategic imperatives, advocating for investments in higher education and research to unlock these resources: “We must invest in our universities and technical colleges to train the next generation of innovators.” He critiqued overregulation, urging streamlined permitting to “unleash Utah’s potential as an energy powerhouse.” Themes of self-reliance and sovereignty permeated, with Adams noting how Utah’s minerals could secure supply chains for military hardware and clean energy. Reflecting on this, it’s clear Adams foresaw developments like the DoD’s MP partnership, positioning Utah not just as a supplier, but as a cornerstone of U.S. resilience in an AI-driven world.
The Strategic Imperative: REEs as the “New Oil” of 21st Century Defense
Our military devours thousands of tons of REEs annually, powering Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (5,200 pounds each) to hypersonic weapons and drone fleets. Yet we’ve ceded control to China, which processes over 80% globally (69% of mine production in 2024, projected similar for 2025), due to past policies favoring imports over domestic grit. Beijing’s April 2025 export restrictions on seven key REEs, like dysprosium and terbium, cut magnet exports by 75%, a direct hit in response to U.S. tariffs. This could stall munitions or AI tech—risks that keep me up at night, especially after Adams warned, “We must triple energy production by 2050 to meet demands from AI data centers, electric vehicles, and defense applications.” His point about a “global arms race to control artificial intelligence” got me thinking: Without secure REEs, we’re not just behind; we’re exposed.
President Trump’s March 20, 2025, executive order, invoking the Defense Production Act to expedite permits and funding, was a game-changer. The DOE’s $45 million CORE-CM initiative reframes REEs as essential security assets. Adams’ speech amplified this, urging us to leverage Utah’s minerals for national strength—a reflection that’s even more poignant after today’s X thread on the MP deal.
MP Materials Deal: A Down Payment on REE Sovereignty
The Pentagon’s announcement yesterday marks a watershed moment in America’s quest for mineral independence, underscoring the strategic vulnerabilities exposed by China’s dominance in REEs. With an initial $400 million preferred equity investment—scheduled to close today, July 11, 2025—the DoD secures a 15% stake in MP Materials, making it the largest shareholder and directly challenging Beijing’s near-monopoly. This isn’t mere financial support; it’s a multifaceted partnership designed to rebuild a “mine-to-magnet” supply chain entirely on U.S. soil, critical for everything from F-35 stealth fighters to hypersonic missiles and AI-driven defense systems.
The deal’s structure amplifies its strategic weight: Beyond the equity, it includes a $150 million low-interest loan (at Treasury rates plus 100 basis points over 12 years), warrants for additional common stock, and a potential $350 million in follow-on funding. Most crucially, the DoD commits to a 10-year off-take agreement with a guaranteed floor price of $110 per kilogram for neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr)—nearly double current Chinese market rates—ensuring economic viability amid volatile global pricing. All output from the new “10X Facility” in California will remain domestic, producing up to 10,000 metric tons of high-performance magnets annually by 2028, enough to power millions of electric motors for military and civilian applications.
This investment isn’t isolated; it’s part of a broader $2.2 billion DoD commitment to critical minerals since 2021, invoking the Defense Production Act to address what officials call a “national security imperative.” By funding expanded separation of heavy REEs like dysprosium and terbium—now under Chinese export controls—the deal directly counters supply disruptions that could hobble U.S. munitions production. As MP’s Mountain Pass mine, the only integrated REE site in the Western Hemisphere, ramps up, the partnership signals a decisive shift: No longer will America’s military depend on adversarial sources for materials vital to superiority in an AI and hypersonics era. Yet, as the X thread astutely noted, true resilience requires a networked ecosystem—precisely where Utah’s assets shine.
Utah’s REE Arsenal: From Geological Potential to National Asset
Utah’s proven assets—REE-rich coal seams in the Uinta Basin (up to 1,000 ppm, 2-5 times global averages), West Desert carbonatites, monazite deposits—pair with beryllium leadership at Spor Mountain (world’s largest) and indium reserves (nation’s richest, for defense tech). Energy Fuels’ White Mesa Mill, the only U.S. facility capable of processing monazite to produce separated REE oxides, separates six restricted REEs at 1,000 tons NdPr annually, scaling to 4,000-6,000 via hydrometallurgy—potentially filling 22-23% of U.S. magnet REE demand. The mill achieved commercial-scale NdPr oxide production in 2024 (38 tonnes on-spec), with pilot-scale Dy and Tb separation ongoing, at costs of $29.88/kg for NdPr (pre-feasibility). Phase 2 expansion targets 60,000 tpa monazite processing by 2026/2027, yielding up to 6,000 tpa NdPr, 300 tpa Dy, and 75 tpa Tb, plus other REEs.
Partnerships bolster this: Chemours (March 2025) supplies 1,000–2,000+ tpa monazite from Georgia; Australia’s Donald JV (June 2025) provides 7,000 tpa monazite (expandable to 14,000, yielding 700–1,400 tpa NdPr + Dy/Tb), with FID in H2-2025; Base Resources acquisition (October 2024) adds Madagascar’s Toliara (26,000 tpa monazite, ~2,600 tpa NdPr + Dy/Tb over 39 years), with FID in H1-2026; Brazil’s Bahia expects 3,000–5,000 tpa monazite (300–500 tpa NdPr + Dy/Tb). All monazite feeds into White Mesa, integrated with uranium/vanadium for low-cost edges. Adams’ quote on Utah as an “energy powerhouse” for AI and defense got me reflecting: This is our moment to lead, securing U.S. supply chains against foreign risks.
Bridging the National Gap: Utah and MP Materials Are Complementary
MP mines and magnets; White Mesa separates heavies like dysprosium and terbium that MP is expanding into. Integrate them, and Utah handles allied ores or bolsters the ecosystem—tightening the strategic net. With $6.6 million Earth MRI funds mapping more, Adams’ vision aligns seamlessly.
Obstacles Ahead—but Momentum Is Real
Permitting lags (often 5-10 years for new mines), water concerns in arid regions, environmental risks like waste generation and soil quality impacts, and regulatory uncertainty persist—but S.C.R. 3 and IRA incentives foster balance. Rural jobs and $500M investments await; Utah could supply 10-20% of demand.
The Broader Horizon: Security, Industry, and Sovereignty
Sovereignty demands self-reliance, especially as China expands in Africa (e.g., investments in Congo and Zimbabwe), Greenland (e.g., Tanbreez project), and Central Asia (e.g., Kazakhstan joint ventures), tightening its hold amid export curbs. Utah + MP nears self-sufficiency, but a decade’s work requires alliances over risky alternatives like Russia or Belarus.
- Timeline: Key U.S. REE Policy Milestones (Up to July 2025)
- January 2025: DOE’s $45M CORE-CM; Adams’ speech urges mineral development.
- February 2025: $6.6M Earth MRI for Utah.
- March 20, 2025: Trump EO via DPA.
- April 2025: China bans; Energy Fuels commercial separation.
- May 2025: Georgia REE ramps.
- June 2025: Energy Fuels’ Donald JV.
- July 10, 2025: DoD’s $400M in MP.
The Pitfalls of Government Equity in Public Firms: Interference, Distortions, and Taxpayer Risks
Government investment in public companies, such as the recent U.S. Department of Defense’s $400 million stake in MP Materials, aims to secure strategic assets like rare earth elements for national security. However, this approach raises several potential problems, including political interference, market distortions, conflicts of interest, and risks to taxpayer funds and corporate governance.
One major issue is political interference. When governments hold significant shares, decisions may prioritize policy goals over shareholder value, leading to favoritism toward certain companies or sectors. For instance, investments could be swayed by electoral considerations, resulting in inefficient capital allocation or propping up underperforming firms. Studies show that government ownership often negatively impacts firm performance, as political agendas can override market-driven strategies, harming long-term profitability and innovation.
Market distortions are another concern. Public funds can crowd out private investors, reducing competition and signaling that government backing is necessary for success in certain industries. This may discourage risk-taking by private entities and create moral hazard, where companies rely on bailouts rather than efficiency. In extreme cases, it could lead to corruption, inflating project sizes or complexity for political gain, ultimately hurting economic growth.
Conflicts of interest arise when governments act as both regulators and owners, potentially leading to biased oversight or unfair advantages. This erodes investor confidence and invites scrutiny from agencies, increasing compliance costs. Taxpayers bear the financial risk if investments fail, turning public money into speculative ventures without adequate accountability.
Moreover, a stark warning emerges regarding socialistic consequences: Such investments could erode free-market principles, fostering creeping nationalization where government control expands over private enterprise, stifling innovation and individual initiative. Critics argue this mirrors socialist models, potentially leading to bureaucratic inefficiency, reduced economic freedom, and a slippery slope toward broader state ownership, undermining capitalism’s core tenets.
While such investments address immediate needs like supply chain security, the risks of inefficiency, politicization, and economic distortion warrant careful safeguards, such as transparent governance and limits on influence, to protect both markets and public interests.
Conclusion: From Vision to Vigilance
As the MP deal launches today, Adams’ words and that X thread inspire reflection: Utah’s resources are America’s shield. Let’s seize it. Follow PoliticIt.com for more.
Endnotes
The following endnotes provide full references for the inline citations, drawn from authoritative sources on policy, industry reports, and geological surveys. They are listed by citation ID for academic traceability:
Even after Trump-Xi call, China’s rare-earth controls aren’t going away. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/06/china-rare-earths-trump-xi-call/ (June 6, 2025). Ongoing grip.
President J. Stuart Adams 2025 General Session Opening Day Speech (PDF). Utah Senate. https://senate.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/President-Adams-%25E2%2580%2593-Opening-Day-Speech-2025.pdf (January 21, 2025). Key excerpts on Utah’s critical minerals.
President Adams’ 2025 General Session Opening Day Speech. Utah Senate. https://senate.utah.gov/president-adams-2025-general-session-opening-day-speech/ (January 21, 2025). Full text download.
Day 1 of 45: Utah Legislature kicks off 2025 session. Utah News Dispatch. https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/01/21/utah-legislature-kicks-off-2025-session-with-focus-on-energy-higher-ed/ (January 21, 2025). Coverage of energy and minerals focus.
Senate President Adams encourages ‘the Utah Dream’ in 2025 session. ABC4. https://www.abc4.com/news/politics/inside-utah-politics/utah-legislative-session-2025-senate-president-adams/ (January 21, 2025). Remarks on Utah leading in energy.
Utah legislative leaders push nuclear power, mineral extraction. Salt Lake City Weekly. https://www.cityweekly.net/utah/utah-legislative-leaders-push-nuclear-power-mineral-extraction-spaceports-and-affordable-housing-in-opening-remarks-of-2025-session/Content?oid=22590693 (January 21, 2025). Details on mineral extraction.
Research’s Ripple Effect. University of Utah Magazine. https://magazine.utah.edu/issues/summer-2025/researchs-ripple-effect/ (Summer 2025). Adams’ address on AI arms race.
On day 1, Lawmakers look to energy and education. KUER. https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-01-21/on-day-1-lawmakers-look-to-energy-and-education-to-keep-the-utah-dream-alive (January 21, 2025). Senate address coverage.
MP Materials Announces Transformational Public-Private Partnership with DoD. MP Materials Investor Relations. https://investors.mpmaterials.com/investor-news/news-details/2025/MP-Materials-Announces-Transformational-Public-Private-Partnership-with-the-Department-of-Defense-to-Accelerate-U-S–Rare-Earth-Magnet-Independence/default.aspx (July 10, 2025). Deal announcement.
MP Materials Up More Than 50% On Pentagon Rare Earths Deal. Investor’s Business Daily. https://www.investors.com/news/mp-materials-stock-soars-pentagon-launches-rare-earths-war-china/ (July 11, 2025). Stock surge and deal terms.
Pentagon to become largest shareholder in rare earth miner MP Materials. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/10/pentagon-to-become-largest-shareholder-in-rare-earth-magnet-maker-mp-materials.html (July 10, 2025). Equity purchase details.
Pentagon to become rare earth mining company’s largest stockholder. Washington Technology. https://www.washingtontechnology.com/companies/2025/07/pentagon-become-rare-earth-mining-companys-largest-stockholder/406644/ (July 11, 2025). Stake and facility funding.
MP Materials, DOD Partner to Boost US Rare Earth Magnet Supply. GovCon Wire. https://www.govconwire.com/articles/mp-materials-dod-public-private-partnership-rare-earth-magnet-10x-facility (July 11, 2025). Separation capabilities expansion.
MP Materials and DoD to expand US rare earth magnet supply chain. Mining Technology. https://www.mining-technology.com/news/mp-materials-dod-rare-earth-magnet/ (July 11, 2025). Convertible stock and shareholder status.
MP Materials strikes rare earths deal with US to cut China dependence. CBT News. https://www.cbtnews.com/mp-materials-strikes-rare-earths-deal-with-us-to-cut-china-dependence/ (July 11, 2025). Loan and separation at California site.
What is MP Materials? Pentagon-backed rare earth miner surges 50%. Finger Lakes 1. https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2025/07/11/mp-materials-stock-price-july-11-2025/ (July 11, 2025). Stock surge and mine overview.
Pentagon Invests in Rare Earth Magnet Producer to Back New Plant. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-10/pentagon-invests-in-rare-earth-magnet-producer-to-back-new-plant (July 10, 2025). Equity investment for magnets.
DOD commits billions to US rare earths. Metal Tech News. https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2025/07/16/tech-metals/dod-commits-billions-to-us-rare-earths/2370.html (July 11, 2025). Shareholder position and total commitments.
MP Materials partners with US Department of Defense to accelerate rare earth magnet independence. SME. https://me.smenet.org/mp-materials-partners-with-us-department-of-defense-to-accelerate-rare-earth-magnet-independence/ (July 10, 2025). Closing date and oxide expansion.
MP Materials Stock Surges 50% on Rare Earths Contract With Defense Department. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/mp-materials-stock-surges-50-percent-on-rare-earths-contract-with-defense-department-11769526 (July 10, 2025). Stakeholder details.
MP Materials lands multi-billion Pentagon deal. Mining.com. https://www.mining.com/mp-materials-lands-multi-billion-pentagon-deal/ (July 11, 2025). Closing and conversion terms.
MP Materials Stock Soars 51% on a Defense Pact for Rare Earths. Barron’s. https://www.barrons.com/articles/mp-materials-stock-rare-earth-magnets-defense-6d300ecd (July 11, 2025). Additional funding commitments.
White Mesa Mill Uranium Processing. Energy Fuels. https://www.energyfuels.com/white-mesa-mill/ (Ongoing). Mill overview.
Energy Fuels Announces Q1-2025 Results. Energy Fuels Investors. https://investors.energyfuels.com/2025-05-07-Energy-Fuels-Announces-Q1-2025-Results (May 7, 2025). Production guidance.
Building the Largest Critical Mineral Company in the U.S. (PDF). Energy Fuels Investors. https://investors.energyfuels.com/image/2025-4.1-Corporate-Presentation.pdf (March 1, 2025). Ore production expectations.
U.S.-Based Energy Fuels Poised to Produce Six of the Seven Rare Earth Oxides. Energy Fuels Investors. https://investors.energyfuels.com/2025-04-17-U-S-Based-Energy-Fuels-Poised-to-Produce-Six-of-the-Seven-Rare-Earth-Oxides-Now-Subject-to-Chinese-Export-Controls-at-Scale (April 17, 2025). REE capabilities.
Energy Fuels (UUUU): A Dual-Pronged Play on Uranium and Rare Earths. AInvest. https://www.ainvest.com/news/energy-fuels-uuuu-dual-pronged-play-uranium-rare-earths-2506/ (June 12, 2025). Q1 performance.
Energy Fuels Announces Q1-2025 Results. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-fuels-announces-q1-2025-results-302449361.html (May 7, 2025). Inventory guidance.
Clean Energy Starts With Us (PDF). Energy Fuels. https://energyfuels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-1-Corporate-Presentation-Final.pdf (January 1, 2025). REE development.
U.S.-Based Energy Fuels Poised to Produce Six of the Seven Rare Earth Oxides. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-based-energy-fuels-poised-to-produce-six-of-the-seven-rare-earth-oxides-now-subject-to-chinese-export-controls-at-scale-302431466.html (April 17, 2025). Commercial capacity.
Building a Globally Significant Critical Mineral Company in the US (PDF). Energy Fuels Investors. https://investors.energyfuels.com/image/2025-6.1%2BCorporate%2BPresentation%2BFINAL.pdf (June 1, 2025). Expansion pipeline.
Energy Fuels Poised to Capitalize on US Rare Earth Processing Crisis. Crux Investor. https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/energy-fuels-poised-to-capitalize-on-us-rare-earth-processing-crisis-the-strategic-advantage-of-white-mesa-mill (April 21, 2025). Phased expansion to 6,000 tpa NdPr.
China’s rare earth export controls are good for Beijing, bad for business. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-rare-earth-export-controls-are-good-beijing-bad-business-2025-07-07/ (July 7, 2025). Controls on germanium and antimony.
China’s Rare Earth Export Restrictions and Other Countries’ Responses. SPF China Observer. https://www.spf.org/spf-china-observer/en/document-detail062.html (July 9, 2025). April restrictions on seven REEs.
How China’s new rare-earth export controls target the Pentagon and the world. Defense One. https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2025/07/how-chinas-new-rare-earth-export-controls-target-pentagonand-world/406606/ (July 9, 2025). Ministry of Commerce announcement.
China Rare Earth Export Restrictions: Global Trade Impact. E2open. https://www.e2open.com/blog/china-rare-earth-export-restrictions-global-trade-impact/ (July 3, 2025). Suspension for 90 days in May.
EU lawmakers rebuke China over rare earth curbs before summit. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/eu-lawmakers-rebuke-china-over-rare-earth-curbs-before-summit-2025-07-10/ (July 10, 2025). European response.
China Imposes Export Controls on Medium and Heavy Rare Earth Materials. Holland & Knight. https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/04/china-imposes-export-controls-on-medium-and-heavy-rare-earth-materials (April 4, 2025). Announcement 18 details.
The Consequences of China’s New Rare Earths Export Restrictions. CSIS. https://www.csis.org/analysis/consequences-chinas-new-rare-earths-export-restrictions (April 14, 2025). 2023-2025 restrictions.
Chinas Rare Earth Export Controls. Taylor Wessing. https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/insights-and-events/insights/2025/06/chinas-rare-earth-export-controls (June 11, 2025). Licensing for European companies.
What to Know About China’s Halt of Rare Earth Exports. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/03/business/rare-earth-metals-china.html (June 10, 2025). Suspension since April.
China’s Rare Earth Elements: What Businesses Need to Know. China Briefing. https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-rare-earth-elements-dominance-in-global-supply-chains/ (July 1, 2025). 69.2% production in 2024.
China currently controls over 69% of global rare earth production. Mining Technology. https://www.mining-technology.com/analyst-comment/china-global-rare-earth-production/ (January 18, 2025). Dominance in mining and processing.
China’s rare earth dominance: Myanmar plays a critical role. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/24/chinas-rare-earth-dominance-myanmar-plays-a-critical-role-.html (June 23, 2025). Imports from Myanmar.
Rare Earth Resources: China’s domination of a key global market. CKGSB. https://english.ckgsb.edu.cn/knowledge/article/china-dominance-of-rare-earth-and-impact-on-global-market/ (March 26, 2025). 90% processing, 70 kt refined in 2023.
China Has Paid a High Price for Its Dominance in Rare Earths. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/business/china-rare-earth-environment.html (July 5, 2025). Environmental costs.
How China Tightened Its Grip Over Its Rare Earth Sector. Discovery Alert. https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/chinas-rare-earth-dominance-2025-strategic-control/ (July 8, 2025). Quota increases slowing.
Why It’s So Hard to Challenge China’s Rare Earths Dominance. TIME. https://time.com/7294964/us-rare-earths-minerals-china-dominance-trump-tariffs/ (June 17, 2025). 96% sourcing from China.
Atlantic Council – Mapping China’s strategy for rare earths dominance (PDF). Atlantic Council. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Mapping-Chinas-strategy-for-rare-earths-dominance.pdf (June 2025). Reserves and capacity stats.
China to remain dominant rare earths supplier for another decade. FDI Intelligence. https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/c520dbee-ee2e-41f8-985d-76277a4989cd (June 18, 2025). 76% refining by 2035.
Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production. White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-measures-to-increase-american-mineral-production/ (March 20, 2025). EO text.
Trump Administration’s Invocation of the Defense Production Act for Minerals. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12540 (April 4, 2025). Goal of domestic production.
Unpacking Trump’s New Critical Minerals Executive Order. CSIS. https://www.csis.org/analysis/unpacking-trumps-new-critical-minerals-executive-order (March 21, 2025). EO summary.
Key Takeaways from President Trump’s Executive Order. Holland & Knight. https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/03/key-takeaways-from-president-trumps-executive-order-to-strengthen (March 26, 2025). Funding and hurdles.
New Executive Order regarding Immediate Measures. White & Case. https://www.whitecase.com/insight-alert/new-executive-order-regarding-immediate-measures-increase-american-mineral-production (March 27, 2025). Regulatory focus.
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Immediate Action. White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-takes-immediate-action-to-increase-american-mineral-production/ (March 20, 2025). DPA and financing.
New EO Invokes Emergency Powers. Pillsbury Law. https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/news-and-insights/critical-minerals-eo-trump.html (March 26, 2025). Emergency powers for development.
Trump signs executive order to shore up US production of critical minerals. S&P Global. https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/trump-signs-executive-order-to-shore-up-us-production-of-critical-minerals (April 3, 2025). DPA invocation.
Trump issues Defense Production Act waiver for minerals. Politico Pro. https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025/06/trump-issues-defense-production-act-waiver-for-minerals-weapons-00383591 (June 3, 2025). Waiver expansion.
Trump Administration Issues Executive Orders. Inside Government Contracts. https://www.insidegovernmentcontracts.com/2025/04/trump-administration-issues-executive-orders-that-seek-to-shape-chips-program-and-promote-domestic-mineral-production/ (April 3, 2025). Investment catalysis.
Deposit of obscure mineral in Utah’s West Desert is worth a fortune. Salt Lake Tribune. https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2022/11/10/deposit-obscure-mineral-utahs/ (November 10, 2022). Indium deposits.
CRITICAL MINERALS OF UTAH (PDF). Utah Geological Survey. https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/circular/c-129.pdf (June 29, 2020). REE occurrences.
U researchers to study potential of Uinta Basin mineral resources. University of Utah. https://attheu.utah.edu/announcements/u-researchers-to-study-potential-of-utahs-natural-resources-with-1-5m-grant/ (September 23, 2021). Basin evaluation.
Rare earth element enrichment in coal and coal-adjacent strata. Frontiers in Earth Science. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/earth-science/articles/10.3389/feart.2024.1381152/full (April 25, 2024). Uinta Region enrichment.
Coal resources near Uinta Basin could be used for electronics. KUER. https://www.kuer.org/health-science-environment/2021-10-01/coal-resources-near-uinta-basin-could-be-used-for-electronics-and-renewable-energy-products (October 1, 2021). High-tech potential.
UTAH MINING 2021 (PDF). Utah Geological Survey. https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/circular/c-134.pdf (2021). Oil shale deposits.
Rare earths found in Utah, Colorado mines. Metal Tech News. https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2024/06/05/tech-metals/rare-earths-found-in-utah-colorado-mines/1794.html (June 5, 2024). Uinta coal belt study.
Transforming Uinta Basin Earth Materials. NETL. https://netl.doe.gov/node/11912 (Ongoing). Resources for products.
Can coal mines be tapped for rare earth elements? University of Utah. https://attheu.utah.edu/research/can-coal-mines-be-tapped-for-rare-earth-elements/ (May 20, 2024). Migration to strata.
Hydrocarbons and Mineral Resources of the Uinta Basin. Digital Commons @ USU. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/govdocs_mines/2/ (Ongoing). Accumulations overview.
Mineral Resources of the Basin and Range. Earth@Home. https://earthathome.org/hoe/sw/minerals-br/ (April 11, 2022). Bingham Canyon and Uinta.
Geology of Utah. Utah History Encyclopedia. https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/g/GEOLOGY.shtml (Ongoing). Mineral species.
Ecoregions of Utah (PDF). USGS Store. https://store.usgs.gov/assets/MOD/StoreFiles/Ecoregion/112579_ut_front.pdf (Ongoing). Basin floor.
Energy Fuels and Chemours Forming Strategic Alliance. Energy Fuels Investors. https://investors.energyfuels.com/2025-03-18-Energy-Fuels-and-Chemours-Forming-Strategic-Alliance-to-Create-a-Domestic-Supply-Chain-of-Critical-Minerals-for-the-United-States (March 18, 2025). Alliance details.
Chemours and Energy Fuels Forming Strategic Alliance. Chemours. https://www.chemours.com/en/news-media-center/all-news/press-releases/2025/chemours-and-energy-fuels-forming-strategic-alliance-to-create-a-domestic-supply-chain (March 18, 2025). Complementary capabilities.
Energy Fuels Announces Q1-2025 Results. Energy Fuels Investors. https://investors.energyfuels.com/2025-05-07-Energy-Fuels-Announces-Q1-2025-Results (May 7, 2025). Guidance increases.
Energy Fuels and Chemours Forming Strategic Alliance. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-fuels-and-chemours-forming-strategic-alliance-to-create-a-domestic-supply-chain-of-critical-minerals-for-the-united-states-302403888.html (March 18, 2025). Supply chain creation.
Energy Fuels Proposed Acquisition of Base Resources (PDF). Energy Fuels Investors. https://filecache.investorroom.com/mr5ircnw_energyfuels/1214/Project%2520Latte%2520Investor%2520Presentation%2520-%25204.22.2024%2520v19_FINAL.pdf (April 22, 2024). Base acquisition.
Energy Fuels’ Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sand Joint Venture. Energy Fuels Investors. https://investors.energyfuels.com/2025-06-25-Energy-Fuels-Donald-Rare-Earth-and-Mineral-Sand-Joint-Venture-in-Australia-Receives-Final-Major-Regulatory-Approvals (June 25, 2025). Donald approvals and FID.
Energy Fuels Partners With Chemours. Stock Titan. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/UUUU/energy-fuels-and-chemours-forming-strategic-alliance-to-create-a-svvilkotwzzk.html (March 18, 2025). NYSE details.
Energy Fuels Announces Q1-2025 Results. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/energy-fuels-announces-q1-2025-results-302449361.html (May 7, 2025). Working capital.
Chemours, Energy Fuels partner to boost critical minerals supply chain. Supply Chain Dive. https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/chemours-energy-fuels-us-critical-minerals-supply-chain/744257/ (March 18, 2025). Partnership press release.
Form 10-K for Energy Fuels INC. MineDocs. https://minedocs.com/28/Energy-Fuels-F10K-12312024.pdf (December 31, 2024). Projects overview.
US Rare Earth and Critical Mineral Supply Security. Junior Mining Network. https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/1010-tsx/efr/168022-us-rare-earth-and-critical-mineral-supply-security-significantly-boosted-as-energy-fuels-closes-acquisition-of-australia-s-base-resources.html (October 2, 2024). Toliara security.
Energy Fuels – Uranium, Rare Earths & Critical Minerals. Energy Fuels. https://www.energyfuels.com/ (Ongoing). Company overview.
Energy Fuels Proposed Acquisition of Base Resources (PDF). InvestorRoom. https://filecache.investorroom.com/mr5ircnw_energyfuels/1214/Project%2520Latte%2520Investor%2520Presentation%2520-%25204.22.2024%2520v19_FINAL.pdf (April 22, 2024). Toliara details.
Energy Fuels and Astron Corporation Limited Execute Definitive Agreements. Investing News. https://investingnews.com/energy-fuels-and-astron-corporation-limited-execute-definitive-agreements-to-jointly-develop-the-donald-rare-earth-and-mineral-sands-project-in-australia-uranium-production-from-the-company-s-u-s-mine/ (June 3, 2024). Donald JV and 2025 production.
Energy Fuels Announces Agreement for Transformational Acquisition. Newswire. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/energy-fuels-announces-agreement-for-transformational-acquisition-of-base-resources-creating-a-global-leader-in-critical-minerals-production-with-a-focus-on-uranium-rare-earth-elements-and-heavy-mineral-sands-864959084.html (April 21, 2024). Toliara acquisition.
DOD Looks to Establish ‘Mine-to-Magnet’ Supply Chain. Defense.gov. https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3700059/dod-looks-to-establish-mine-to-magnet-supply-chain-for-rare-earth-materials/ (March 11, 2024). F-35 usage.
The Pentagon’s ‘Rare Earth’ Problem is a China Problem, Too. The Cipher Brief. https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column_article/the-pentagons-rare-earth-problem-is-a-china-problem-too (September 17, 2024). Arleigh Burke and F-35 metrics.
DOD commits billions to US rare earths. Metal Tech News. https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2025/07/16/tech-metals/dod-commits-billions-to-us-rare-earths/2370.html (July 11, 2025). F-35 pounds.
The Consequences of China’s New Rare Earths Export Restrictions. CSIS. https://www.csis.org/analysis/consequences-chinas-new-rare-earths-export-restrictions (April 14, 2025). Destroyer requirements.
Rare Earths and the U.S. Defense Supply Chain. Rare Earth Exchanges. https://rareearthexchanges.com/news/rare-earths-and-the-u-s-defense-supply-chain-from-bidens-ban-to-trumps-trade-gambit/ (May 11, 2025). Naval platforms.
Rare Earths Statistics and Information. USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/rare-earths-statistics-and-information (Ongoing). Worldwide supply.
Mineral Resources Program – Maps. USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/maps (Ongoing). Geochemical maps.
USMIN Mineral Deposit Database. USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/gggsc/science/usmin-mineral-deposit-database (Ongoing). Mines and districts.
MINERAL COMMODITY SUMMARIES 2025 (PDF). USGS. https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025.pdf (February 24, 2022). Summaries update.
Rare Earth Elements (REE). USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/science-topics/rare-earth-elements-ree (Ongoing). Domestic deposits focus.
The USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative. Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF13058 (July 11, 2025). Focus areas map.
Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative (CMMI). USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/gggsc/science/critical-minerals-mapping-initiative-cmmi (Ongoing). Global database.
Critical Mineral Resources. USGS. https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/critical-mineral-resources (Ongoing). Inventory stages.
Global Distribution of Selected Mines. ArcGIS Hub. https://hub.arcgis.com/maps/USGS::global-distribution-of-selected-mines-deposits-and-districts-of-critical-minerals/about (Ongoing). Critical mineral features.
Map Shows Critical Minerals Under Control of America’s Rivals. Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/map-us-critical-minerals-imports-russia-china-2037749 (March 2, 2025). Import reliance.
The Carbon Ore, Rare Earth, and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative. NETL. https://netl.doe.gov/resource-sustainability/critical-minerals-and-materials/core-cm (Ongoing). Basin development.
U.S. Department of Energy Invests $45 Million. Energy.gov. https://www.energy.gov/fecm/articles/us-department-energy-invests-45-million-support-regional-consortia-focused-securing (January 7, 2025). Funding announcement.
CRITICAL MINERALS AND MATERIALS PROGRAM (PDF). NETL. https://netl.doe.gov/sites/default/files/2025-03/Program-141.pdf (March 2025). CORE-CM teams.
Carbon Ore, Rare Earths and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative. FedConnect. https://www.fedconnect.net/fedconnect?doc=DE-FOA-0003075&agency=DOE (Ongoing). Opportunity details.
Virginia Tech to lead $10 million critical mineral research coalition. Virginia Tech News. https://news.vt.edu/articles/2025/02/virginia-tech-selected-to-lead–10-million-critical-mineral-rese.html (February 27, 2025). Refining processes.
Federal funding for regional collaboration on domestic critical minerals. IEA. https://www.iea.org/policies/25648-federal-funding-for-regional-collaboration-on-domestic-critical-minerals (April 25, 2025). USD 45M program.
NIOSH Mining Program Poised to Support Mining of Critical Minerals. CDC Blogs. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2025/07/10/mining-critical-minerals/ (July 10, 2025). Appalachia resources.
DOE expands US critical minerals program. Metal Tech News. https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2025/01/08/tech-metals/doe-expands-us-critical-minerals-program/2091.html (January 8, 2025). CORE-CM potential.
The following was presented at DMT ’25 (PDF). USGS. https://ngmdb.usgs.gov/Info/dmt/docs/DMT25_Amato2.pdf (May 18-21, 2025). DOE program overview.
CEOs Spotlight Challenges Ahead of Emerging U.S. Rare Earth Industry. American Manufacturing. https://www.americanmanufacturing.org/blog/ceos-spotlight-challenges-ahead-of-emerging-u-s-rare-earth-industry/ (June 29, 2025). Permitting streamlining.
How the US Can Mine Its Own Critical Minerals — Without Digging New Holes. Georgia Tech News. https://news.gatech.edu/news/2025/05/06/how-us-can-mine-its-own-critical-minerals-without-digging-new-holes (May 6, 2025). Supply security.
There’s one rare earths mine in the US. How that might change soon. Christian Science Monitor. https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2025/0418/rare-earth-minerals-us-china (April 18, 2025). Transition factors.
A Toxic Pit Could Be a Gold Mine for Rare-Earth Elements. WVWRI. https://wvwri.wvu.edu/news/2025/05/14/a-toxic-pit-could-be-a-gold-mine-for-rare-earth-elements (May 14, 2025). Abandoned mines contamination.
Exploiting the Earth: U.S. Policy Towards Rare Earth Elements. Chicago-Kent Journal of Environmental and Energy Law. https://studentorgs.kentlaw.iit.edu/ckjeel/2025/04/26/exploiting-the-earth-u-s-policy-towards-rare-earth-elements/ (April 26, 2025). Environmental effects.
Can the U.S. Reduce Its Reliance on Imported Rare Earth Elements? EconoFact. https://econofact.org/can-the-u-s-reduce-its-reliance-on-imported-rare-earth-elements (July 3, 2025). Resource-intensive risks.
How America can fast-track critical metals production. Fortune. https://fortune.com/2025/06/11/america-rare-earths-production-china-leverage-critical-metals/ (June 11, 2025). Protection and delays.
Critical Minerals: Status, Challenges, and Policy Options. GAO. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106395 (July 31, 2024). Liability and permitting.
A Federal Critical Mineral Processing Initiative. War on the Rocks. https://warontherocks.com/2025/04/a-federal-critical-mineral-processing-initiative-securing-u-s-mineral-independence-from-china/ (April 14, 2025). Refining absence.
Rebuilding American Supply Chain Independence in Critical Minerals. Discovery Alert. https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/critical-minerals-rare-earth-elements-america-2025/ (July 11, 2025). Environmental impact challenges.
China hits back at US tariffs with export controls on key rare earths. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-hits-back-us-tariffs-with-rare-earth-export-controls-2025-04-04/ (April 4, 2025). Response to tariffs.
Trump Strikes a Deal to Restore Rare Earths Access. CSIS. https://www.csis.org/analysis/trump-strikes-deal-restore-rare-earths-access (June 11, 2025). Resume exports agreement.
Competing for Africa’s Resources: How the US and China Invest in Critical Minerals. Stimson Center. https://www.stimson.org/2025/competing-for-africas-resources-how-the-us-and-china-invest-in-critical-minerals/ (February 28, 2025). Key projects.
China’s Rare Earth Elements: What Businesses Need to Know. China Briefing. https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-rare-earth-elements-dominance-in-global-supply-chains/ (Ongoing). Geopolitical tensions.
Critical Metals in line for $120M US loan for Greenland rare earth project. Northern Miner. https://www.northernminer.com/news/critical-metals-in-line-for-120m-us-loan-for-greenland-rare-earth-project/1003879627/ (June 16, 2025). Tanbreez funding.
Rare earths: Japan more prepared than most for China’s mineral squeeze. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/20/rare-earths-japan-more-prepared-than-most-for-chinas-mineral-squeeze.html (June 20, 2025). Supply chain resiliency.
The Guardian view on Donald Trump’s China deal. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jun/29/the-guardian-view-on-donald-trumps-china-deal-rare-earths-pave-the-green-road-to-militarisation (June 29, 2025). EO for mining permits.
What are rare earth minerals, and why are they central to US-China tensions? CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/03/business/rare-earths-us-china-trade-war-explainer (June 3, 2025). Greenland resources.
US lobbied Greenland rare earths developer Tanbreez not to sell to China. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/us-lobbied-greenland-rare-earths-developer-tanbreez-not-sell-china-2025-01-09/ (January 9, 2025). Lobbying and options.
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