Fact Check: Approximately 90% of the U.S.'s rare earth minerals are sourced from China, according to data from the Geological Survey.

Fact Check: "Approximately 90% of the U.S.'s rare earth minerals are sourced from China, according to data from the Geological Survey."

What We Know

The claim that approximately 90% of the U.S.'s rare earth minerals are sourced from China is supported by multiple sources. The Michigan Geological Survey states that the U.S. imports 90% or more of its rare earth elements, primarily from China. This dependency has significantly increased over the years, especially since the 1990s when the U.S. was a leading producer of these minerals.

Additionally, a report from CBS News confirms that "about 90% of the U.S.'s rare earth minerals come from China," citing data from the Geological Survey as the basis for this statistic (CBS News). Furthermore, the U.S. Geological Survey's own publications indicate that China is the dominant supplier of rare earth elements, controlling a substantial portion of the global market (USGS).

Analysis

The assertion that 90% of U.S. rare earth minerals are sourced from China is corroborated by reliable sources, including government reports and reputable news outlets. The Michigan Geological Survey, which is a credible authority on geological resources, provides a clear statement regarding the U.S.'s reliance on Chinese imports for rare earth elements (Michigan Geological Survey).

Moreover, the CBS News report, which references data from the Geological Survey, adds further credibility to the claim. The consistency across these sources suggests a high level of reliability in the reported statistics. The U.S. Geological Survey is a well-respected institution that regularly publishes data on mineral resources, making its findings particularly trustworthy (USGS).

While some sources indicate that China accounts for about 70% of U.S. rare earth imports (Visual Capitalist), the claim of 90% is still within a reasonable range considering the variability in reporting and the specific definitions of "rare earth minerals" versus "rare earth elements." The term "rare earth minerals" can sometimes encompass a broader category than the specific elements typically classified under rare earths.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that approximately 90% of the U.S.'s rare earth minerals are sourced from China is accurate based on multiple credible sources, including the Michigan Geological Survey and CBS News. The data consistently indicates a significant reliance on Chinese imports for these critical minerals, highlighting the vulnerability of the U.S. supply chain in this sector.

Sources

1. Critical Minerals - Michigan Geological Survey
2. Critical Minerals - Michigan Geological Survey
3. RARE EARTHS1
4. Not Just 'Rare Earths': U.S. Gets Many Critical Minerals ...
5. Charted: Where the U.S. Gets Its Rare Earths From
6. China Imposes Export Controls on Rare Earth Minerals
7. Ford CEO says rare earths shortage forced it to shut factory
8. Ford CEO says rare earths shortage forced it to shut factory