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The USGS - Mineral Commodity Summaries was the primary source for data about how much of each mineral was exported by each country in 2024. Unfortunately, this data was not provided for all 50 minerals identified as strategically important, particularly because some are only presented in aggregate form as Rare Earth. For the 23 minerals that did not have specific numerical amounts traded, sources were identified either within the text of the report, or using the additional sources cited.
Source countries are classified into alliance categories based on formal U.S. defense and security relationships.
Allies include NATO members and Major Non-NATO Allies (MNNA), reflecting formal security commitments and high policy coordination with the United States.
Competitors include countries identified in U.S. strategic planning documents as strategic competitors, particularly where economic leverage, export controls, or geopolitical tensions may pose supply-chain risks under stressed conditions.
Neutral countries are those that do not fall clearly into either category and maintain mixed or non-aligned relationships with the United States.
### Supply Risk Classification Minerals are classified into qualitative
supply risk categories based on the share of production originating from
competitor nations, the presence or absence of domestic production, and
the availability of transparent production data.
High risk minerals exhibit high concentration in competitor nations or lack secure domestic access.
Moderate risk minerals are sourced from a mix of allied and non-allied producers.
Lower risk minerals benefit from diversified sourcing and/or meaningful domestic production.
For minerals without sufficient quantitative data, risk classification emphasizes documented access and qualitative sourcing indicators rather than numerical concentration measures.
This catalog provides a mineral-by-mineral assessment of global supply exposure for selected critical and strategic minerals. For each mineral, the catalog summarizes known source countries, alliance status, domestic access, and potential supply risk under geopolitical or market stress.
Domestic Production: Yes (significant or trace)
Number of Source Countries: 13
Primary Risk Level: 2
This mineral is sourced from 13 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 15
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: China currently banning exports to the US
This mineral is sourced from 15 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 6
Primary Risk Level: 2
This mineral is sourced from 6 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 11
Primary Risk Level: 2
This mineral is sourced from 11 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: Yes (significant or trace)
Number of Source Countries: 7
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 7 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 7
Primary Risk Level: 3
This mineral is sourced from 7 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Part of 45,000 tons of Rare Earth mined in the USA in 2024.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 5
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: Trace amounts present in United States, but not enough to economically justify mining. Current imports primarily from Canada
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 8
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 8 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: Yes (significant or trace)
Number of Source Countries: 13
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 13 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: China produces majority of the world’s supply. USA producing a neglible amount currently, project underway in Texas to increase.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Like many Heavy Rare Earth Elements, most of the global supply comes from China. Near-neglibile amount being produced in USA.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Part of 45,000 tons of Rare Earth mined in the USA in 2024, though significantly less than the amount mined in China
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 11
Primary Risk Level: 2
This mineral is sourced from 11 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Part of 45,000 tons of Rare Earth mined in the USA in 2024, though significantly less than the amount mined in China. Belgium is also a major exporter of Gadolinium Oxide.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 4
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: China currently banning exports to the US
This mineral is sourced from 4 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 6
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: With a source in Alaska, part of the 45,000 tons of Rare Earth mined in the USA in 2024. China currently banning exports to the US
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 18
Primary Risk Level: 3
This mineral is sourced from 18 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: Closely related to zirconium - hafnium production only given in percentages - Germany 50%, China 21%, France 18%
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Like many Heavy Rare Earth Elements, most of the global supply comes from China. Near-neglibile amount being produced in USA.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 8
Primary Risk Level: 3
This mineral is sourced from 8 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: Closely related to platinum, South Africa is the largest global supplier. USA has access to iridium-containing ore in Alaska
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Part of 45,000 tons of Rare Earth mined in the USA in 2024.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 9
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 9 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: One of the rarest of the Rare Earth elements, generally found near yttrium. Trace amounts being produced in USA.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 7
Primary Risk Level: 3
This mineral is sourced from 7 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 10
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 10 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Part of 45,000 tons of Rare Earth mined in the USA in 2024.
Domestic Production: Yes (significant or trace)
Number of Source Countries: 10
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 10 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 6
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 6 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: Yes (significant or trace)
Number of Source Countries: 6
Primary Risk Level: 2
This mineral is sourced from 6 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations.
Domestic Production: Yes (significant or trace)
Number of Source Countries: 6
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 6 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Part of 45,000 tons of Rare Earth mined in the USA in 2024.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: Closely related to platinum, South Africa is the largest global supplier. Trace amounts produced in USA as a by-product of nickel/platinum mining
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 5
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: No global production reported. Rubidium-bearing minerals found throughout US, but no current resources to process.Possible future developments in Namibia and Australia
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: Closely related to platinum, South Africa is the largest global supplier. Trace amounts produced in USA as a by-product of nickel/platinum mining
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Named most vulnerable mineral in 2025, near-neglibile amount being produced in USA. China dominates global production.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 5
Primary Risk Level: 3
Note: No current domestic mining, but plans exist for a scandium mine in Nebraska
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 11
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 11 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 8
Primary Risk Level: 3
This mineral is sourced from 8 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: American production just starting - refining from related metals (dysprosium, neodymium)
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Like many Heavy Rare Earth Elements, most of the global supply comes from China. Near-neglibile amount being produced in USA.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 15
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 15 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 6
Primary Risk Level: 3
This mineral is sourced from 6 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 11
Primary Risk Level: 3
This mineral is sourced from 11 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
Domestic Production: No
Number of Source Countries: 4
Primary Risk Level: 3
This mineral is sourced from 4 countries. A significant share of supply originates from competitor nations. Domestic production is not reported, increasing vulnerability.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Like many Heavy Rare Earth Elements, most of the global supply comes from China. Near-neglibile amount being produced in USA.
⚠️ Data note: Production and sourcing data are limited or aggregated.
Domestic Production: Trace only (quantity unknown)
Number of Source Countries: 3
Primary Risk Level: 2
Note: Like many Heavy Rare Earth Elements, most of the global supply comes from China. Near-neglibile amount being produced in USA.
Domestic Production: Yes (significant or trace)
Number of Source Countries: 12
Primary Risk Level: 2
This mineral is sourced from 12 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations.
Domestic Production: Yes (significant or trace)
Number of Source Countries: 11
Primary Risk Level: 1
This mineral is sourced from 11 countries. A significant share of supply originates from non-competitor nations.
Overall, current trends reflect the goal of reducing dependence on foreign nations if the natural resources are present and there is enough economic benefit in doing so. This trend is most clearly observed in the rare earth elements sector, which has been the focus of targeted federal initiatives, supply-chain reviews, and private investment over the past decade. In just five years, the United States went from nearly 100% dependence on imports for rare earth, to 80% dependence in 2024. Multiple mines have been planned and some have already begun producing, as referenced in the notes throughout the catalog.
While this represents a meaningful improvement in supply security, it also highlights the structural challenges that remain. Domestic production is still concentrated in a limited number of facilities, and downstream processing and separation capacity remain partially dependent on foreign partners. Many critical minerals are produced as byproducts rather than primary outputs, contributing to the incrimentality of possible growth.
USGS - Mineral Commodity Summaries - https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025.pdf
https://www.sfa-oxford.com/rare-earths-and-minor-metals/
https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/mining-minerals-information/minerals-database/
https://mineralseducationcoalition.org/mining-minerals-information/periodic-table-of-the-elements/
https://www.mining.com/usa-rare-earth-produces-dysprosium-oxide-at-texas-round-top-mine/
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/american-resources-unit-produces-greater-995-pure-terbium