From Foreign Policy · Glenn Zorpette · · 1m 50s
The Radioactive Ore That Could Break China’s Grip on Rare Earths
Western powers race to secure monazite ore, but radioactive thorium risks delay rare-earth supply chains.
In brief
Western powers race to secure monazite ore, but radioactive thorium risks delay rare-earth supply chains. Monazite ore could reduce China’s rare-earth dominance but faces radioactive thorium disposal challenges. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
China’s Rare Earth Dominance
China controls roughly 90 percent of rare-earth oxides and metals markets.
Monazite’s Potential
Monazite ore contains 60-62 percent rare earths and is the most important rare-earth ore.
Monazite Challenges
Monazite contains radioactive thorium and uranium, requiring strict government regulation.
Energy Fuels’ Strategy
Energy Fuels operates the only U.S. uranium mill and plans to scale rare-earth production.
Saskatchewan Project
Saskatchewan’s monazite plant produced minuscule quantities after six years of work.
Lynas Rare Earths
Lynas processes monazite in Malaysia, facing protests over radioactive waste.
Mitsubishi Chemical Incident
Mitsubishi Chemical’s waste caused birth defects and leukemia in Malaysia.
Thorium Disposal Problem
Large thorium disposal requires nuclear power or long-term storage solutions.
U.S. Government Investment
U.S. government invested $725 million in Energy Fuels for rare-earth production.
Round Top Project
Round Top project in Texas faces speculation and no mine completion.
China’s Monazite Sources
China mines monazite at Bayan Obo, supplying 40 percent of global rare-earth ore.
China’s Export Restrictions
China tightens rare-earth export restrictions during U.S.-China tensions.
U.S.-China Trade Tensions
U.S. and China have no significant rare-earth concessions at recent summits.
Rare Earth Industry Challenges
Rare-earth industry faces speculation and self-dealing issues.
Monazite Supply Chain
Monazite deposits exist in Australia, South Africa, Brazil, and other regions.
What Happens Next
Western powers must overcome thorium disposal challenges to secure rare-earth supply chains.
The short version
Monazite ore could reduce China’s rare-earth dominance but faces radioactive thorium disposal challenges.
