U.S. Efforts to Counter China’s Rare Earth Dominance
The State Department has indicated its commitment to address the national security risks posed by China’s control over the rare earth minerals market. Recent developments suggest that Africa might play a pivotal role in helping the U.S. mitigate Beijing’s influence in this crucial industry.
According to the Brookings Institution, 17 rare earth elements (REEs) are essential not only for human well-being but also for national security. These metals are integral to electronics (like computers and smartphones), renewable energy technologies (such as solar panels and electric vehicle batteries), and defense applications (including missile guidance systems and satellites).
Currently, China is leading the global market, accounting for 60% of rare earth mineral extraction and a staggering 85% of processing capabilities.
While the Chinese government has secured contracts with countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for resources such as cobalt, Africa remains rich in untapped potential. Specifically, the African Union’s Minerals Development Center has announced that new, specialized rare earth mines will open in Tanzania, Angola, Malawi, and South Africa by 2029. These mines could contribute nearly 10% of the world’s supply.
Responding to this situation, the Trump administration is strategizing to increase the U.S. footprint in Africa’s mining sector. A spokesperson from the State Department recently mentioned that the administration’s strategy focuses on forging partnerships with African nations to redirect mineral exports away from China.
China’s role is seen as a significant threat, and the spokesperson emphasized that its control over global mineral supply chains, especially in processing and refining, endangers both U.S. and African interests. The concern is that Beijing is exploiting Africa’s resources while promoting unsustainable practices and fostering dependency.
The U.S. currently imports about 70% of its rare earth elements from China. Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, underscored the urgency, stating that U.S. reliance on China for critical minerals is a major national security issue that has not received adequate attention during the Biden administration. He believes strengthening ties with Africa can help secure new resources.
The administration is intent on expanding its engagement in Africa, with plans to invest in infrastructure that facilitates the export of minerals to global markets. One notable project is the Lobito Corridor, aimed at providing an alternative transport route for minerals from Africa’s Copperbelt to the Atlantic.
Recently, the U.S. committed $550 million to develop the Lobito Corridor, a railway and infrastructure project that will link mineral-rich regions of the DRC and Zambia with Angola’s coastline, allowing easier shipping access to the U.S.
A spokesperson highlighted that a bilateral agreement between the U.S. and the DRC could pave the way for new investments in strategic mining ventures, contributing to regional stability, especially following a peace accord with Rwanda.
Experts like Dr. Gracelyn Bhaskaran note that the U.S. has significant opportunities in Africa, which has been undervalued in mineral exploration despite its potential for high returns on investment. The continent is considered the last great frontier for mineral discovery.
Bhaskaran mentioned that while global exploration spending in Africa has decreased, it still presents opportunities for U.S. advancement, especially in regions where China has limited involvement in exploration activities.
C. Jero Nyima Byamungu, an analyst at the China Global South Project, pointed out that Namibia stands out as an alternative for heavy rare earth minerals, specifically citing the Lofdal project as a significant opportunity.
