Greenland
Why does the US want Greenland?
Why America wants Greenland: rare earths, graphite, molybdenum and gold, with real deposit maps and the limits of reserves, mining and processing.
Read why the US wants Greenland’s mineralsEarthRarest / In-depth
The minerals behind national power
A large deposit, a working refinery and a dependable export business are different kinds of wealth. These investigations follow the materials through each country's geology, industry and political choices.
China
Why the world keeps coming back to China for its metals
China's mineral power, from the 2010 export squeeze to the price crashes that hurt rivals. Rare earths, strategic metals and the factories behind its influence.
Read China’s mineral supply and price historyUnited States
America has the minerals. Why does it still need imports?
Why America still imports critical minerals: missing refineries, metal byproducts, Pentagon price guarantees and the real cost of a dependable domestic supplier.
Read about US minerals and import dependenceRussia
Russia has the metals. Getting them is another matter.
Putin offers mineral deals, but Russia’s strength is uneven. Follow palladium, antimony and rare earths through mines, factories, transport and trade barriers.
Read about Russia’s metals and supply constraintsFor mine-by-mine developments, production comparisons and project forecasts, use the Rare Earth Mining Race. Each investigation links to its corresponding country briefing.