A latest report by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has flagged continued vulnerabilities in US mineral supply chains, warning that heavy dependence on China poses strategic and economic risks. The report highlights that China remains a dominant global supplier and processor of several critical minerals essential for defence systems, renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing.
According to the USGS assessment, the US relies significantly on imports for a wide range of critical minerals, with China accounting for a major share of global production or processing capacity in many of them. Minerals such as rare earth elements, graphite, lithium processing inputs, and other strategic materials are identified as areas where supply disruptions could have serious downstream impacts on US industries.
The report notes that while the US has taken steps to diversify sourcing through partnerships with allied nations and by encouraging domestic mining and processing, progress remains uneven. Regulatory hurdles, long project timelines, and limited refining infrastructure continue to slow efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.
USGS also underlined that China’s control is not limited to mining alone but extends across refining, processing, and value-added stages, giving Beijing substantial leverage over global mineral markets. This concentration increases exposure to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and export controls.
The findings have renewed calls within US policy circles for accelerated investment in domestic mineral production, recycling capabilities, and strategic stockpiles, alongside deeper cooperation with trusted international partners to build resilient and secure mineral supply chains.