China's Grip on Critical Minerals May Be Short Lived, But at What Cost? The United States' dependence on China for critical minerals is a pressing concern, threatening to derail its technological and economic ambitions.
China dominates the refining of 19 out of 20 strategic minerals, with an average market share of 70%. This vulnerability gives Beijing significant influence over American industry.
A potential solution lies in the Pacific Ocean. Polymetallic nodules (PMNs), mineral rich rock formations that form on the abyssal plain, are being touted as a game changer.