This thesis addresses how U.S. reliance on China for critical rare earth elements leaves the United States exposed to a potential disruption of supply that constitutes a threat to national security. The study also reviews the history of U.S.-China trade relations and how China outflanked the United States in the global rare earths market. Rare earth elements are vital to electronic and national defense applications involving the Defense Industrial Base. Vulnerabilities in the U.S. rare earths supply chain are studied to discuss opportunities for domestic rare earth mining and separation independent of China. The study also reviews current mineral policies, acts, and measures to promote an adequate and reliable supply of critical materials for national security. The purpose of this thesis is to answer the primary research question: Can the United States ensure reliable resources of rare earth elements independent of China?

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)