According to the International Energy Agency, as of 2024 the United States was at least 93% import-dependent on both rare earth elements (REEs) and graphite.
January 01, 2024
high
temporal
National supply-chain dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals.
Rare earth elements are used in batteries, renewable energy technologies, fiber optics, lighting, permanent magnets, and consumer electronics such as phones and tablets.
January 01, 2024
high
technical
Common industrial and consumer end uses of REEs that drive demand.
Garnet minerals can incorporate certain rare earth elements into their crystal structure, allowing some REEs to be hosted within garnet-bearing ore.
January 01, 2024
high
technical
Mineralogical behavior relevant to exploration and extraction of REEs.