Every US Rare Earth Refiner Remains Dependent on Chinese Equipment and Chemicals

What was said

"Every single rare earth refiner that the US is supporting right now um so obviously the US is losing the refining um of the rare earth to China. The whole world's losing it to China. They control the refining, but also the countries that are trying or the companies trying to replace Chinese refining are using Chinese equipment and chemicals."

A rare earth company executive revealed to the speaker that they are the first U.S. company to use no Chinese chemicals or equipment in rare earth processing. This disclosure exposes that all other U.S.-backed rare earth refiners attempting to reduce dependence on China are still completely reliant on Chinese-made equipment and chemicals. The revelation underscores the depth of China's control over critical mineral supply chains despite U.S. efforts at reshoring.