U.S. Pushes to Secure Domestic Critical Mineral Supply Amid Chinese Restrictions

China’s decision to restrict exports of critical manufacturing minerals, including gallium, germanium, and antimony, has intensified calls to bolster domestic mining efforts in the United States. These minerals are essential to producing high-tech semiconductors, weapons systems, infrared technology, and fiber optics.

Rich Nolan, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, described China’s actions as “mineral extortion” and emphasized the urgency of developing U.S.-based supply chains. “Our challenge is not geology — the U.S. possesses vast mineral resources — but the lack of comprehensive, urgent policy to turn those resources into the secure supply chains we so desperately need,” Nolan said.

The United States has significant untapped resources of these minerals but has long relied on foreign suppliers. For example, domestic gallium production ceased in 1987, leaving the country dependent on imports from China, Japan, and Germany. China currently supplies over half of the germanium used in the U.S.

Efforts to develop domestic sources include the Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho, which holds a reserve of 148 million pounds of antimony. Antimony is critical for munitions, semiconductors, solar panels, and wind turbines. Marty Boughton, spokesperson for Perpetua Resources, noted that the project could supply about 35% of U.S. antimony demand in its first six years of operation. The project has received $75 million from the Department of Defense and a $1.8 billion letter of interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for construction financing. Final approval from the U.S. Forest Service is expected soon.

Nyrstar, a global mining company, is also stepping up by repurposing an old zinc factory in Tennessee into a smelter capable of producing up to 80% of America’s supply of germanium and gallium.

Environmental opposition remains a significant hurdle for domestic mining expansion. In Maine, for instance, state laws prevent mining one of the world’s richest known lithium deposits, a mineral critical for electric vehicle batteries. Experts project that global lithium demand for batteries will grow by 575% by 2028, while nickel demand is expected to increase by 1,237% in the same period. Despite this, stringent regulations have kept substantial U.S. supplies untapped.

Proponents argue that the U.S. can mine responsibly while adhering to stringent environmental and human rights standards. “Where we can produce these minerals safely and ethically in our backyard, we should,” Boughton said.

The Biden administration has taken steps to encourage domestic production, including a $17 million investment announced in April to develop a domestic supply chain for critical minerals. However, industry advocates warn that more comprehensive policies are needed to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly as China’s export restrictions highlight vulnerabilities in global supply chains.

Perpetua Resources’ Stibnite Gold Project, which has undergone 14 years of study and public engagement, is being hailed as a model for responsible mining. The project includes plans to clean up and restore the area while supporting national security. Jon Cherry, CEO of Perpetua Resources, called the initiative a “win-win-win,” benefiting Idaho, the environment, and the nation’s security.