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A new wave of innovation and technological revolution is still required in rare earth refining in the Western World.

The industry saw record funding in 2025 as the US looks to build out a supply chain of elements crucial to the defense and energy sectors.

US President Donald Trump has vowed to cut into China’s overwhelming lead in producing critical minerals as part of his national security push, including a new supply chain proclamation on Wednesday. In response, investors are pouring a record amount of money into US startups, providing support to an industry that also plays a key role in the energy transition.

The minerals — a set of 17 metallic elements — are used in products ranging from smartphones and electric vehicles to fighter jets. China controls roughly 60% of the world’s rare earth mining output and more than 90% of the global refining capacity, according to an October report by the International Energy Agency. That leaves industries in the US exposed to potential supply shocks.

Read more at: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-15/trump-national-security-mandate-boosts-us-rare-earth-startups