The US Department of Defense has held discussions with African rare-earth mineral miners as it seeks alternative suppliers. The DLA routinely talks with potential suppliers as part of its due diligence, steps that do not necessarily result in purchase agreements. A senior Pentagon official told Reuters that the department is looking at ways to increase its supply of rare earths and other minerals from Africa in order to help offset a shortage caused by China’s growing appetite for The Pentagon’s Defense Logistics Agency estimates the US will purchase up to 416 tonnes of rare-earth minerals in 2019.
The US Department of Defense has held discussions with African rare-earth mineral miners as it seeks alternative suppliers. A senior Pentagon official told Reuters that the department is looking at ways to increase its supply of rare earths and other minerals from Africa in order to help offset a shortage caused by China’s growing appetite for The Pentagon’s Defense Logistics Agency estimates the US will purchase up to 416 tonnes of rare-earth minerals in 2019.