In a major strategic move to reduce America’s reliance on China for rare earth elements, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that the Trump Administration is accelerating efforts across mining, processing and manufacturing to establish a fully domestic rare earths supply chain.
Wright said this is being treated as an “all-of-government effort,” involving deals with small and large mining firms, processing companies and advanced manufacturing players. He warned that China had strategically taken control of the global rare earths industry over the past decade to create dependencies — something the US is now determined to reverse.
He confirmed that the US currently has one operating rare earth mine in California, which is expanding. Additional major resource potential exists in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Idaho across the western mining belt. However, he emphasized that mining is only one part of the challenge — the bigger gaps are in processing, refining and turning the metals into high-tech magnets and components, areas China currently dominates.
Wright blamed delays primarily on lawfare — environmental and legal challenges — rather than government permitting. He cited the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, which has faced 29 years of legal battles and is still not operational, though he said progress is expected soon. He stressed that the Trump administration is pursuing legal and permitting reform to unblock critical mineral projects at scale.
On timelines, Wright said the US will be in a “better position within 12 months,” and in a “massively stronger strategic position” within 24 months if current momentum is sustained. In the interim, the US is tapping existing inventories, recycling rare earths from older devices, and sourcing non-Chinese supplies from partner nations.
He acknowledged the geopolitical urgency, noting that President Trump is preparing for negotiations with Chinese President Xi Jinping and intends to arrive with clear strategic leverage rather than dependence.
Separately, Wright confirmed that the Trump administration is reopening Alaska’s ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) for major oil and gas production, calling it a permanent move that marks the end of what he described as the Biden administration’s restrictive energy approach. He claimed that under Biden, there were “more sanctions on Alaska than on Iran and Venezuela combined,” and asserted that the reopening will unleash a major Alaskan energy boom in the coming years.
Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Wright said the ANWR development is moving ahead, signaling the administration’s priority shift toward domestic resource independence.
Disclaimer:This article is based on publicly available statements and policy discussions. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, political, or investment advice.
