4.6: Supply chain sustainability - rare earth materials

Rare earth elements are ubiquitous in many civilian, green energy and military technologies, including traveling wave tubes. China has become the dominant source of rare earth elements over the last two decades. Fortunately, non-Chinese rare earth mining and metal production interests are moving forward with vigor in the US, Canada, Australia and South Africa. In addition, the US government is engaged in developing a sustainable rare earth rare earth supply chain. This paper will provide a global context of the rare earth supply chain situation and private and public efforts underway to develop viable, long- term non-Chinese sources.