# 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.
- Title: The Radioactive Ore That Could Break China’s Grip on Rare…
- Summary: Western powers race to secure monazite ore, but radioactive thorium risks delay rare-earth supply chains. Monazite ore could reduce China’s rare-earth…
- Keywords: monazite, rare earths, china, thorium, radioactive waste, supply chain, energy fuels, lynas rare earths, saskatchewan research council, u.s. government, Radioactive, Ore
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/15/monazite-china-rare-earths-radioactive
- Author: Glenn Zorpette
- Published: 2026-10-15T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: monazite, rare earths, china, thorium, radioactive waste, supply chain, energy fuels, lynas rare earths, saskatchewan research council, u.s. government
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Monazite ore could reduce China’s rare-earth dominance but faces radioactive thorium disposal challenges.