Articles tagged with "rare-earth-minerals"
China is rolling back rare earth mineral restrictions, White House saus
The White House announced that following a recent trade agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, China will roll back its restrictions on rare earth minerals. Specifically, China will suspend export limitations and resume issuing general licenses for exporting rare earths, gallium, germanium, antimony, and graphite to benefit U.S. end users and their global suppliers. These measures effectively reverse the export controls China imposed in April 2025 and October 2022, which had required foreign companies to obtain licenses for even small quantities of these critical minerals. China is the world’s largest producer of rare earth minerals, essential for manufacturing various technology products. The previous Chinese restrictions had prompted the Trump administration to respond with plans for 100% tariffs on Chinese goods. However, as part of the new trade deal, the White House is now halting those tariff plans and pausing other tariffs on Chinese imports for one year, signaling a de-escalation in trade tensions related to critical mineral supplies.
rare-earth-mineralsmaterials-sciencesupply-chaintrade-policytechnology-manufacturingexport-restrictionscritical-materialsNauticus Robotics aims for deep-sea rare mineral exploration with $250M line of credit - The Robot Report
Nauticus Robotics Inc., a subsea robotics developer based in Webster, Texas, has secured a $250 million equity line of credit to accelerate growth and innovation, particularly targeting deep-sea rare earth and mineral exploration. This financing will enable Nauticus to pursue strategic acquisitions that expand its technological capabilities, supporting its broader strategy to contribute to industries critical to the global energy transition. The company emphasizes the importance of rare earth minerals for clean energy, electronics, and defense sectors and aims to play a key role in enabling a responsible supply chain. Nauticus plans to acquire complementary businesses and technologies to enhance its autonomous systems portfolio for sustainable and environmentally responsible subsea resource development. The company’s flagship product, the Aquanaut underwater robot, can operate autonomously or be remotely controlled to perform various underwater tasks such as managing aquaculture projects, repairing oil pipelines, and scanning seabeds. Nauticus recently acquired SeaTrepid International, expanding its subsea service and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) capabilities. Additionally,
roboticsunderwater-robotsrare-earth-mineralsdeep-sea-explorationenergy-transitionautonomous-systemsstrategic-acquisitionsTrump fires back at China’s rare earth mineral restrictions by threatening 100% tariffs
President Donald Trump announced on October 11, 2025, that he plans to impose a 100% tariff on all imports from China, in addition to existing tariffs, as a response to China’s recent restrictions on rare earth mineral exports. China, the world’s largest producer of these minerals critical to technology sectors such as semiconductors and solar panels, introduced licensing requirements for foreign companies exporting products containing even small amounts of these minerals. Trump condemned China’s move as unprecedented and morally wrong in international trade. The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on November 1, though Trump indicated they could be reconsidered and that a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping might still proceed. The announcement triggered a sharp market reaction, with major U.S. stock indices falling significantly—Dow Jones down 1.9%, S&P 500 down 2.71%, and Nasdaq down 3.56%. Tech companies like Nvidia and Tesla experienced notable declines of around 5%, and the crypto markets also
rare-earth-mineralstrade-tariffsChina-US-tradecritical-materialssemiconductor-industrysolar-energy-materialsexport-controlsChina tightens export controls on rare earth minerals once again
China has tightened its export controls on rare earth minerals and related mining and refining technologies, adding five more rare earth elements to its export control list, bringing the total to 12. The Commerce Ministry announced that foreign producers must now apply for export licenses if their products contain any Chinese-origin rare earth minerals or related technology. Defense organizations will be denied licenses, while semiconductor manufacturers will undergo individual reviews. Exemptions are made for exports intended for humanitarian aid, such as public health emergencies and disaster relief. As the world’s largest producer of rare earth minerals, China is leveraging these controls to safeguard national security amid increasing global competition in semiconductor manufacturing. This move mirrors recent U.S. export restrictions on chipmaking equipment aimed at limiting China’s technological advancements. The announcement follows Beijing’s April decision to add several rare earth minerals to its export control list in response to U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration, which had already caused significant global supply shortages. Rare earth minerals remain critical for industries including solar energy, electric vehicles
rare-earth-mineralsexport-controlssemiconductor-manufacturingenergy-materialselectric-vehicle-batteriessupply-chain-securityChina-trade-policyAl Gore on China’s climate rise: ‘I would not have seen this coming’
Twenty-five years ago, Al Gore, then a U.S. presidential candidate, envisioned America as the leader in global climate action. However, he now acknowledges that China’s rise as the dominant force in the energy transition was unforeseen. Gore expresses a pragmatic view, celebrating China’s leadership in sustainability while lamenting America’s retreat from consistent climate policy. He emphasizes that the planet’s well-being matters more than which country leads, but regrets the lost opportunity for American innovation to accelerate global progress. Gore and Lila Preston of Generation Investment Management discuss in detail the shifts in global energy investment, noting that since the Paris Agreement, funding has swung from fossil fuels to renewables, with 65% now going to clean energy. Despite setbacks in U.S. policy, particularly during the Trump administration, the global momentum toward sustainability continues. China is described as the world’s first “electro state,” rapidly expanding solar capacity and managing energy challenges like drought-induced hydroelectric shortfalls by balancing coal use. The conversation
energyclimate-changerenewable-energysustainabilityrare-earth-mineralsdata-centersenergy-transitionSeaweed could unlock new sources of rare minerals for EVs: US study
US researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have developed a novel approach to extract rare earth minerals and critical metals from seaweed, potentially unlocking a sustainable domestic source for materials essential to electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and construction. Seaweed species, particularly Ulva (sea lettuce), have been found to bioaccumulate rare earth elements and metals like nickel at concentrations vastly higher than those in seawater. By cultivating various seaweed species at their Sequim campus, the team identified which types concentrate specific minerals, with Ulva showing the best overall potential for critical mineral accumulation. The extraction process involves grinding harvested seaweed into a paste and treating it with acidic liquids known as lixiviants, which dissolve the targeted minerals. This mixture is then subjected to high temperatures to break chemical bonds and release the minerals. Although achieving efficient extraction—aiming for at least 50% recovery—has been challenging, researchers have optimized the process by experimenting with different lixiviants, temperatures, and
energyrare-earth-mineralsseaweedelectric-vehiclescritical-mineralssustainable-miningPacific-Northwest-National-LaboratoryUS to get rare earths upfront as Trump unveils 55% China tariff plan
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a tentative trade framework with China that includes upfront deliveries of critical rare earth minerals and industrial magnets to the U.S. supply chain, alongside a total tariff rate of 55 percent on Chinese imports. This deal also involves the U.S. honoring prior commitments related to Chinese students studying in American institutions, marking a reversal from recent stricter policies. Trump touted the agreement as a "great WIN" for both countries, emphasizing closer trade collaboration with Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, officials clarified that the 55 percent tariff figure consolidates existing duties rather than representing a new increase from the previous 30 percent rate. The announcement follows quiet negotiations in London aimed at reviving talks after months of trade tensions marked by escalating tariffs and retaliations. While the deal offers temporary clarity on rare earth supplies—vital for manufacturing electric vehicles and defense equipment—it also underscores the volatility of Trump’s trade strategy, which has fluctuated between tariff hikes and reversals. Despite ongoing legal challenges,
rare-earth-mineralsrare-earth-magnetsUS-China-tradetariffssupply-chaincritical-materialsindustrial-magnetsAuto Industry Crash on Horizon from Lack of Rare Earth Minerals & Magnets? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a looming crisis in the auto industry due to China's tightening control over rare earth minerals and magnets, essential components for both electric and gas-powered vehicles. China currently dominates over 90% of the global rare earth supply chain and has recently imposed export restrictions amid escalating trade tensions with the West. These restrictions have led to significant disruptions, with several European automotive suppliers halting production lines because export licenses for these critical materials are scarce—only about 25% of requests have been approved. Consequently, some Chinese magnet manufacturers have paused production, potentially exacerbating future shortages. This supply chain bottleneck threatens not only the automotive sector but also other industries reliant on rare earth elements, such as robotics and military defense systems. The electric vehicle industry is particularly vulnerable since rare earth metals are vital for electric motors and catalytic converters. If the situation persists, the auto industry in the US and Europe could face temporary shutdowns, causing widespread industrial and economic impacts. The article underscores the urgency of resolving these supply chain issues to avoid a severe disruption in vehicle manufacturing and related sectors.
rare-earth-mineralselectric-vehiclesautomotive-industrysupply-chainmagnetsenergy-storagematerials-shortage