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US scientists pursue seawater sourcing to reduce rare earth reliance on China
The article says China dominates refined rare earth supply, supplying about 85 to 95 percent of the world’s refined output and most mine-to-metal refining.
Competition over critical minerals used in energy, manufacturing, and technology is becoming a geopolitical flashpoint, with China holding a dominant position in global supply chains, according to OilPrice.
The outlet cites estimates that China supplies about 85 to 95 percent of the world’s refined rare earth minerals and accounts for roughly 85 to 90 percent of the global rare earth mine-to-metal refining. It also points to concentration in key inputs for clean energy and batteries, including Chinese production shares of cobalt, nickel, and EV-battery-grade lithium.
OilPrice says the United States is looking to change that balance by sourcing some critical minerals from seawater using cutting-edge technology. It argues that concentration creates risks for energy security, noting that if China uses access restrictions as a political lever or if demand accelerates, price spikes could disrupt downstream industries and slow efforts tied to climate change.
The article also warns that heavy reliance on a single geography can raise the stakes as clean energy demand grows, and it cites an International Energy Agency projection on rising critical mineral demand from the clean energy industry.