The US Department of Defense has held talks with African rare - earth mineral miners as it seeks alternative suppliers . The US imports around 80 % of its minerals from China , which controls the use of processing facilities , but Beijing 's recent threat to restrict sales as part of the ongoing trade war has prompted the search for other sources . The push comes as China threatens to curb exports to the United States of rare earths, a group of 17 minerals used in a plethora of military equipment and high-tech consumer electronics. The US ’s Defense Logistics Agency estimates the US will purchase up to 416 tonnes of rare - earth minerals in Africa .
The US Department of Defense has held talks with African rare - earth mineral miners as it seeks alternative suppliers . The US imports around 80 % of its minerals from China , which controls the use of processing facilities , but Beijing 's recent threat to restrict sales as part of the ongoing trade war has prompted the search for other sources . The US ’s Defense Logistics Agency estimates the US will purchase up to 416 tonnes of rare - earth minerals in Africa .