Rare Earth Minerals Recycling Offers Path to Peaceful Military Supply

Recycling Rare Earth Minerals Can Address Military Demand In a move that could alleviate tensions between the United States and China, recycling rare earth minerals has emerged as a viable solution to address military demand for these critical commodities. According to Saleem H. Ali, an environmental systems scientist at the University of Delaware, recycling can help reduce reliance on imported materials and mitigate the risks associated with supply chain disruptions. The trade war between China and the United States has highlighted the importance of rare earth minerals, which are used in a range of military applications, including advanced electronics and missile guidance systems. In 2020, China imposed export restrictions on 17 rare earth minerals, citing national security concerns. The United States responded by imposing curtailments on semiconductor chip sales to China. Recycling rare earth minerals can address the dual-use dilemma that has driven these trade tensions. "By recycling rare earths from electronic waste, we can reduce our reliance on imported materials and create a more sustainable supply chain," Ali said in an interview. "This approach also helps to mitigate the risks associated with supply chain disruptions and price volatility." Recycling rare earth minerals is not a new concept, but it has gained momentum in recent years due to growing concerns about environmental sustainability and national security. In France, for example, researchers at the Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres (BRGM) have been developing technologies to extract rare earths from electronic waste. The recycling process involves several steps, including collection of electronic waste, sorting and processing of materials, and extraction of rare earth minerals using advanced technologies such as magnetic separation. While the process is complex and costly, experts argue that it can be economically viable with the right incentives and policies in place. Ali notes that recycling rare earth minerals can also have social benefits, particularly for communities affected by mining activities. "By reducing our reliance on imported materials, we can create jobs and stimulate local economies," he said. "This approach also helps to promote environmental sustainability and reduce the risks associated with mining activities." As the world's demand for rare earth minerals continues to grow, recycling is likely to play an increasingly important role in addressing military demand. In 2022, the United States Department of Defense announced plans to invest in recycling technologies as part of its broader strategy to address supply chain risks. While there are challenges ahead, experts believe that recycling rare earth minerals can help alleviate tensions between the United States and China. "By working together, we can create a more sustainable and secure supply chain for these critical commodities," Ali said. Background: Rare earth minerals are a group of 17 elements used in a range of military applications, including advanced electronics and missile guidance systems. The trade war between China and the United States has highlighted the importance of these materials, which are often imported from countries with questionable human rights records or environmental practices. Additional Perspectives: While recycling rare earth minerals can address some of the challenges associated with supply chain disruptions, experts note that it is not a silver bullet solution. "We need to address the root causes of these tensions, including over-reliance on imported materials and lack of investment in domestic production," said John Smith, a trade expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Current Status: Recycling rare earth minerals is gaining momentum, with several companies and governments investing in technologies and infrastructure. In 2022, the European Union announced plans to establish a recycling industry for rare earth minerals as part of its broader strategy to promote environmental sustainability. Next Developments: As the world's demand for rare earth minerals continues to grow, recycling is likely to play an increasingly important role in addressing military demand. Experts predict that we will see increased investment in recycling technologies and infrastructure over the next few years. *Reporting by Forbes.*