The United States is finding itself increasingly reliant on China for rare earth elements, vital materials used in everything from defense technologies to green energy solutions. As Beijing asserts more control over the global supply of these crucial resources, Washington is looking for ways to break free from this dependence.

However, the task is not easy. The U.S. defense sector and industries dependent on rare earths are at risk, as China continues to dominate processing capabilities. To counter this, the U.S. is considering alternative sources, including the Pacific Ocean’s deep-sea mining potential.

China’s Growing Control Over Rare Earths

China holds a commanding position in the global rare earths market, particularly in the heavy rare earths necessary for military and clean energy technologies. Earlier this year, Beijing imposed new export controls on seven rare earth elements, including samarium, gadolinium, and terbium.

These elements are used in key technologies such as fighter jets, radar systems, and electric vehicle batteries. As China’s monopoly continues, the U.S. is grappling with the real possibility that its supply chain could be severely disrupted, especially in the event of more stringent export bans.

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), if China cuts off exports, the U.S. would struggle to find substitutes for the rare earths it relies on, particularly in military applications.

The CSIS report highlights that the U.S. has no heavy rare earths separation capabilities in place at present, and while the Department of Defense (DoD) is working to create a domestic supply chain by 2027, it is clear that it will take years for the U.S. to catch up.

The DoD has already committed over $439 million to developing rare earth processing facilities and supply chains, but these will not meet the immediate needs of U.S. industries and defense sectors. By the time these new facilities are operational, they will still fall short of replacing the critical role that China plays in global rare earth production.

The Pacific Ocean: A New Frontier for Rare Earths

In response to these challenges, the U.S. is turning its attention to deep-sea mining as a potential solution to secure its supply of rare earths. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean holds enormous potential.

This vast region is home to polymetallic nodules—rock-like formations that contain significant concentrations of nickel, cobalt, and other rare earth elements. These materials are critical not only for defense technologies but also for electric vehicle batteries and the growing renewable energy sector.

The U.S. has begun to explore the possibility of mining these underwater resources to reduce its reliance on China. The CCZ’s mineral-rich deposits have drawn interest from companies and government agencies alike, as the U.S. looks to secure a self-sustaining source of rare earths.

However, this strategy is not without complications. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), regulates deep-sea mining in international waters.

The U.S. is not a signatory to UNCLOS, which raises serious legal questions about whether it can move forward with mining operations in the CCZ without violating international law.

Legal and Environmental Risks of Deep-Sea Mining

While the economic benefits of deep-sea mining are apparent, there are serious legal and environmental concerns. The U.S. faces significant challenges in securing the necessary permissions to mine in international waters, given its non-participation in UNCLOS.

Some companies, such as The Metals Company, argue that the ISA does not hold exclusive authority over the area, and that the U.S. could proceed with mining under its own jurisdiction.

However, experts warn that moving forward without international approval could set a dangerous precedent and provoke backlash from the global community.

In addition to these legal obstacles, the environmental risks of deep-sea mining cannot be ignored. The ecosystems of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone are largely unexplored, and the mining process could lead to irreversible damage to marine habitats.

Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential destruction of fragile ocean ecosystems, the release of toxic sediments, and the impact on marine life. Furthermore, the mining process could cause significant noise and light pollution, disrupting the already delicate balance of deep-sea ecosystems.

Many nations and scientists are calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until a clearer understanding of the environmental impacts can be gained.

A Geopolitical Struggle for Control

The deep-sea mining effort also has geopolitical implications. As the U.S. moves toward securing its own rare earth supply from the Pacific Ocean, it enters a region where China is already well-established.

Beijing holds multiple exploration contracts in the CCZ and has been investing heavily in deep-sea research. Recently, China has even built a submarine laboratory in the South China Sea, further bolstering its position as a key player in ocean mining.

The U.S. is now looking to compete with China in this emerging strategic front. The race for rare earths and other critical minerals is becoming increasingly important as the world shifts toward green technologies and defense advancements. As China tightens its grip on the supply of these materials, the U.S. is left scrambling for alternatives, with deep-sea mining presenting one of the few options available.