Analyst's note: Absolutely must read. We have here, "One of the most under-reported national security stories [...] to continue to produce some high-tech components for our most advanced defense systems." China is already seen to be manipulating the rare earth element market in a number of areas and talking about banning some exports. The question on the table here is how should the U.S. deal with this obvious and growing threat to our national security if not our survival? Congress is said to be aware of the issue and is pushing the defense industry. It seems to me that Congress could do more than simply "push" on such matters. From the last quote below, one has to ask how much is the state of California impacting our national defense. More investigation is in order. This issue needs to be addressed before it is too late.
"The parts in question are composed of “rare earth elements,” which are found in high-value weapons and support platforms like missiles, destroyers, tanks, aircraft, radars and satellites."
"The good news is you can find rare earth elements elsewhere in places like Australia, Canada, Brazil, Denmark, South Africa and the United States."
"In fact, until the late 1980s, we were the dominant producer and innovator in the rare earth field. That changed with the Cold War’s end when the Mountain Pass mine in California slowed and finally ceased operations - and the Chinese made a government decision to fill the production gap, making them today’s market leader."
