China’s Rare Earth Halt Delivers Urgent Call For Support of Alaska’s Critical Minerals
In August 2023, Power The Future released a study titled “Where Green Meets Red,” which raised warnings about relying on China for critical minerals. By obstructing domestic mining projects, the Biden administration cut off access to 49 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. Geological Survey as essential for modern technologies.
Fast forward to today. China has suspended exports of rare earth minerals, highlighting the vulnerabilities of American reliance on foreign nations for critical minerals and further emphasizing the necessity to invest in domestic resources. During the Biden administration, opportunities for critical rare earth minerals within the United States, particularly in Alaska, were often shut down as demand for these minerals continued to rise. This failed energy strategy increased dependence on China, undermining domestic energy and resources, and leaving the United States exposed to actions from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), such as this export halt.
“Let’s be clear: America has the resources and the best workers to develop our own rare earth mineral industry and China’s actions prove we don’t have a second to spare,” said Daniel Turner, Founder and Executive Director for Power The Future. “The Biden Administration’s policy of shutting down access to Alaska’s resources in favor of China left us weaker and more vulnerable to these tactics from Beijing. America must be self-reliant for our critical minerals and the best place to start is in Alaska, where Governor Mike Dunleavy deserves great credit for his leadership on our energy needs.”
The Last Frontier State is prepared and capable of developing a strong critical minerals industry. We must prioritize our resources here in the United States. National security begins with energy security.
April 14, 2025