Signal
In mid-2025, three developments reshaped the rare-earth and critical mineral map. In the US, Wyoming’s Brook Mine opened as the first new rare-earth mine in 70 years, projected to meet 3-5% of national demand. India revised its mining laws to permit state backed investment in overseas lithium, cobalt, and rare earth assets. Meanwhile, Greenland’s retreating ice exposed new deposits, drawing renewed exploration despite environmental and logistical barriers. Together, these shifts mark an active reordering of global resource supply chains.
Implications
Rare earths are no longer just industrial feedstock, they are levers of sovereignty. The US is seeking domestic resilience by cutting dependency on Chinese supply chains. India is pursuing outbound investment to secure long-term access. Greenland is emerging as a contested frontier where environment, logistics, and geopolitics intersect. Control over these deposits now determines not only industrial capacity but also defence readiness and geopolitical leverage.
Strategic Takeaway
Access to rare earths has moved from sideline to centre stage in strategic competition.
Investor Implications
Expect more capital flowing into rare earth mining, recycling, and processing capacity in allied nations. US projects like Brook Mine will attract state support and long-term defence-linked demand. Indian firms are likely to pursue overseas acquisitions in Africa and South America, backed by policy guarantees. Greenland poses higher risk, but early movers could gain first access to untapped reserves. Investors should track firms focused on mineral recycling and alternative processing as these will scale faster than frontier extraction.
Source: popularmechanics.com
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