This week, global developments in the critical minerals sector highlight supply chain adjustments, government investment, and ongoing production challenges. China’s rare earth exports fell slightly in August, while the U.S. Department of Defense and DOE continue to back domestic initiatives in critical minerals and gallium production. Strategic alliances and new permits further underscore global efforts to secure supply chains for key metals.
Rare Earth Exports from China Slip in August
China’s exports of rare earths fell slightly in August, according to the latest figures from the country’s customs authorities. At around 5,792 tons, this represents a decline of 3.4 percent compared with July 2025. However, the level remains significantly higher than it was in the same month last year.
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Rare Earths, Lithium, and More: Pentagon Invests $2 Million in Domestic Refinery
The U.S. Department of Defense is continuing to invest in domestic critical material supply chains. ReElement Technologies has received $2 million to expand the midstream segment of the critical mineral value chain. The subsidiary of American Resources Corporation operates a refinery in Indiana capable of processing a variety of materials.
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World Platinum Investment Council Highlights Ongoing Supply Constraints
The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) forecasts a third consecutive annual deficit in 2025, driven by mining disruptions and constrained supply. Strong jewelry and investment demand, particularly from China, is offsetting weaker automotive and industrial use, pushing prices to a decade high.
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U.S. Critical Minerals Firm Inks $500 Million Deal in Pakistan
Missouri-based U.S. Strategic Metals (USSM) has signed a $500 million Memorandum of Understanding with Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization to develop a poly-metallic refinery in Pakistan and export critical minerals, including antimony, copper, gold, tungsten, and rare earth elements.
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U.S. Department of Energy Launches Initiative to Boost Domestic Gallium Production
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is launching the TRACE-Ga initiative to establish a domestic gallium supply chain by funding technologies that recover the metal from U.S. processing feedstocks. Projects must prove they can produce 50 kilograms of gallium in a two-week trial and show a clear path to scaling up to one metric ton per year, with applicants required to demonstrate prior recovery success and viable commercialization plans.
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