S1 E34 – We’re Looking at 2040 to 2045 For REE Independence

Highlights

• Permitting for projects can take up to 29 years.
• The goal is to reduce permitting timelines to three years.
• 85-90% of rare earth oxides are controlled by China.
• The U.S. is highly dependent on China for rare earth elements.
• A comprehensive industrial policy is needed for independence.
• Emergency funding of $25-50 billion is necessary.
• A crisis may trigger significant government action.
• Private sector involvement is crucial for progress.
• Standardized contracts and pricing are essential.
• Forecasts suggest independence from China may not be achieved until 2040.

In this episode, Dustin and Daniel discuss the complexities of the rare earth supply chain, particularly the overwhelming dependence on China for rare earth elements and magnets. They reflect on the previous episode with Emily, the director of the permitting council, and the challenges of permitting timelines. The conversation shifts to the need for a comprehensive industrial policy and emergency funding to achieve independence from China, as well as the potential triggers for action, such as a crisis or conflict. They emphasize the importance of private sector involvement and the need for transparency in the market to drive progress in the rare earth industry.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Episode
• 02:46 Permitting Challenges and Progress
• 05:47 Reality of Rare Earth Supply Chains
• 08:57 Dependence on China and Future Projections
• 12:03 Need for Industrial Policy and Emergency Measures
• 14:46 The Role of Private Sector and Government Collaboration
• 17:52 Potential Triggers for Action
• 21:11 Conclusion and Future Outlook