Rare earth metals across North America
According to a study released on June 29 by Interesting Engineering, North America possesses sufficient deposits of rare earth metals to reduce dependence on China. However, developing these resources will require substantial investment and close cooperation between the United States and Canada. Global demand for rare earth metals—including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium—is projected to rise from 91,000 metric tons in 2024 to 150,000 metric tons by 2040.
Current landscape and obstacles
China currently supplies roughly 70% of the world's rare earth metals, having invested heavily in the sector since the 1980s. North America has only one active mining operation for these materials: the Mountain Pass mine in California. Stephen Kesler, professor emeritus of Earth and environmental sciences at the University of Michigan, emphasizes that the study aims to help evaluate deposits more systematically, preventing excessive investment in sites that may become uncompetitive in the future.
“Over-mining could cause prices to collapse and make the industry unprofitable,” Stephen Kesler said.
Kesler also highlighted the need for government support and oversight to build a stable industry. Co-author Greg Keoleian added that rare earth elements are considered critical because of their importance to manufacturing, modern technology, defense, and clean energy development.
The United States can independently supply its own light rare earth elements, such as lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, and praseodymium. But for heavy elements like dysprosium and terbium, experts recommend establishing partnerships with Canada. Such collaboration will be key to securing a steady supply of these critical resources in the years ahead.
The growing demand for rare earth metals underscores the importance of expanding domestic extraction in North America, particularly in a global economy where reliance on a single supplier creates vulnerabilities. If the U.S. and Canada successfully implement joint strategies, they could not only ensure supply stability but also drive advances in technology, environmental initiatives, and regional economic growth.
As North America seeks to bolster its rare earth metal production, innovative solutions are emerging. For instance, old electronics are being repurposed as valuable sources of these critical materials. This approach not only helps reduce reliance on imports but also supports sustainable practices in the tech industry.