The David Lin Report 21st Century 'Arms Race' Begins; China Chokes Critical Supply | Scott Eldridge
Jul 30, 2025
Scott Eldridge, CEO of Military Metals Corp., dives into the burgeoning demand for critical minerals fueled by NATO’s increased defense spending and China’s antimony export restrictions. He discusses the strategic importance of antimony for ammunition production and the rising urgency for Western nations to ramp up domestic production. Eldridge shares insights on significant investments in rare earth projects and highlights the historical significance of the West Gore mining project, showcasing a hopeful future amid geopolitical tensions.
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NATO's Defense Spending Surge
- NATO plans to increase defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035, significantly boosting military capabilities.
- This surge will drive huge demand for critical minerals essential for defense industries, shifting focus to hard power deterrence.
China's Antimony Export Restriction
- China controls about 85% of global antimony reserves and recently restricted exports, including banning exports to the US.
- This limits Western access to a critical metal vital for ammunition and military technology.
Government Investment in Critical Minerals
- Governments, including the US, Canada, and EU, are deploying capital early to domestic critical mineral projects.
- Early funding and fast-track permitting aim to accelerate supply of defense metals like antimony and tungsten.