Aluminium
Major Uses: domestic consumption, transportation, building, electrical
Import Dependency for U.S.: 38%
Major Importers: Canada, Russia, China, Mexico
Promoting the development of American mineral resources.
IAGS Report: China’s Rare Earth Elements Industry: What Can the West Learn?
- HOMEPAGE >> Reports & Analysis >> IAGS Report: China’s Rare Earth Elements Industry: What Can the West Learn?
Cindy Hurst, an analyst for the U.S. Army’s Foreign Military Studies Office, prepared this report in conjunction with the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security. The report discusses the importance of rare earth elements for U.S. defense and energy policy, as well as China’s influence on the rare earths industry.
You can download the full report by clicking here.
Here is an excerpt from the introduction:
China controls approximately 97 percent of the world’s rare earth element market. These elements, which are not widely known because they are so low on the production chain, are critical to hundreds of high tech applications, many of which define our modern way of life. Without rare earth elements, much of the world’s modern technology would be vastly different and many applications would not be possible. For one thing, we would not have the advantage of smaller sized technology, such as the cell phone and laptop computer, without the use of rare earth elements. Rare earth elements are also essential for the defense industry and are found in cruise missiles, precision guided munitions, radar systems and reactive armor. They are also key to the emergence of green technology such as the new generation of wind powered turbines and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as to oil refineries, where they act as a catalyst. (Note: for more in-depth information on the specific uses of rare earth elements, refer to Appendix A).
Over the past few years, China has come under increasing scrutiny and criticism over its monopoly of the rare earth industry and for gradually reducing export quotas of these resources. However, China is faced with its own internal issues that, if not addressed, could soon stress the country’s rare earth industry.
This paper is designed to give the reader a better understanding of what rare earth elements are and their importance to society in general and to U.S. defense and energy policy in particular. It will also explore the history of rare earth elements and China’s current monopoly of the industry, including possible repercussions and strategic implications if rare earth elements supply were to be disrupted.
METALS & MINERALS 101
Left
Right
-
-
Iron
Major Uses: construction, transportation (predominantly automotive), cans and containers
Import Dependency for U.S.: 7%
Major Importers: Canada, European Union, China, Mexico -
Cobalt
Major Uses: aircraft gas turbine engines, cemented carbides for cutting, wear-resistant applications
Import Dependency for U.S.: 81%
Major Importers: Norway, Russia, China, Canada -
Copper
Major Uses: building construction, electric and electronic products, and transportation equipment
Import Dependency for U.S.: 30%
Major Importers: Chile, Canada, Peru, Mexico -
Palladium
Major Uses: catalysts to decrease harmful emissions in light- and heavy-duty vehicles, also used in chemical and petroleum refining sector, and fabrication of laboratory equipment
Import Dependency for U.S.: 94%
Major Importers: South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada -
Silver
Major Uses: coins and medals, industrial applications, jewelry and silverware, and photography
Import Dependency for U.S.: 65%
Major Importers: Mexico, Canada, Peru, Chile -
Tantalum
Major Uses: automotive electronics, pagers, personal computers, and portable telephones
Import Dependency for U.S.: 100%
Major Importers: Australia, China, Kazakhstan, Germany -
Rhenium
Major Uses: petroleum-reforming catalysts, superalloys used in turbine engine components
Import Dependency for U.S.: 86%
Major Importers: Chile, Netherlands -
Platinum
Major Uses: catalysts to decrease harmful emissions in light- and heavy-duty vehicles, also used in chemical and petroleum refining sector, and fabrication of laboratory equipment
Import Dependency for U.S.: 94%
Major Importers: South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada -
Gold
Major Uses: Jewelry and arts, electrical and electronics, dental and other
Import Dependency for U.S.: 33%
Major Importers: Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile
FEATURED EXPERTS
Chris Berry
Founder
House Mountain Partners
Fred McMahon
Vice-President of Research, International
Fraser Institute, Canada
Michael Berry
Ph.D