U.S. Supply Chains of Rare Earth Elements
Demand for Civilian and Defense Purposes
Rare earth elements (REEs) have catalytic, magnetic, electrical and luminescent properties vital for civilian and defense purposes. REEs may include 17 elements — scandium, yttrium and the 15 lanthanides — although some classifications exclude scandium. REEs typically are found together in nature and are not rare in the Earth’s crust. The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS’s) 2025 Critical Minerals List (2025 CML) includes most REEs, because these elements are essential for the U.S. economy and security, have vulnerable U.S. supply chains and are vital for products and services. Congress may consider the role of the federal government, international diplomacy and partnerships and public-private partnerships in making U.S. REE supply chains more resilient to help…
