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America’s Rare Earth Crisis: Why China Dominates & How to Fight Back | David Wargo

Apr 17, 2025
David Wargo, CEO of SCP Resource Finance and a specialist in global mining, sheds light on China's control of over 90% of the rare earth market. He discusses the strategic importance of rare earths like neodymium and dysprosium in technologies such as EVs and robotics. Wargo highlights the West's struggle to regain footholds in this sector, revealing two promising companies, MEI and EFR, that could lead the reindustrialization charge. With geopolitical tensions escalating, the rare earth market is positioned for long-term growth opportunities.
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INSIGHT

China's Rare Earth Monopoly Power

  • China controls 80% of the world's rare earth molecules and 98% of downstream processing.
  • This monopoly allows China to use rare earths as powerful leverage in global trade disputes.
INSIGHT

Key Rare Earth Metals Explained

  • Four rare earth metals dominate economic value: neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium.
  • Dysprosium and terbium enhance magnet performance at high temperatures, critical for EVs.
INSIGHT

Why China Dominates Rare Earths

  • China’s success stems from abundant light and heavy rare earth deposits in Inner Mongolia and southern clays.
  • Southern ionic clays rich in heavy rare earths give China a unique and powerful resource.
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