Summary
The United States is investing $12 billion to build up a reserve of important minerals, similar to a past effort for oil. This is part of a broader plan to reduce reliance on China, which currently controls much of the supply for these materials.
Key Facts
- China leads the global supply of rare earth elements.
- Rare earth elements are important for clean energy and modern technology.
- The U.S. is setting aside $12 billion to create a stockpile of these minerals.
- The plan is similar to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve created after the 1970s oil crisis.
- The U.S. aims to form a trading group with friendly countries to set prices and create independent supply chains.
- The goal is to reduce dependence on China for these critical minerals.
