POLITICO Energy How the U.S. is trying to break China’s mineral dominance.
Oct 27, 2025
Hannah Northey, a reporter for POLITICO's E&E News, dives into the U.S. strategy to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals. She discusses how Trump's administration is forging deals with Australia and African nations to bolster domestic supply. Northey highlights China's recent export restrictions, America's investment fund targeting $5 billion, and the challenges in shifting the mineral market dynamics. With FERC's new leadership, the discussion touches on the regulatory impacts on energy infrastructure as well.
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China's Market Leverage Is Critical
- China controls the lion's share of rare earths mining and processing, giving it leverage over global supply chains.
- This dominance creates real risks for the U.S. economy and Department of Defense if restrictions escalate.
Africa Holds A Third Of Critical Minerals
- Hannah Northey describes U.S. pitches to African leaders to develop critical-mineral projects and keep more processing revenue on the continent.
- She notes the Democratic Republic of Congo's cobalt importance and recent peace-brokering ties to those negotiations.
Australia As A Lithium Partner
- Australia is positioned as a major lithium partner with up to $8.5 billion in potential projects under discussion.
- The deal is strategic even though specific projects and outcomes remain uncertain.