Critical Minerals, Rare Earths, and Recycling Developments

Cole Morace, a metals‑recycling veteran with over 20 years in the mining and aerospace scrap sectors, leads Quest Metals and Quest Alloys & Metals with a focus on turbine‑scrap recycling and circular supply chains.

Global critical‑materials markets are in flux as geopolitical pressure and industrial demand reshape sourcing strategies. Western aerospace remains exposed to Russian supplies, while the U.S., EU and UK responses have driven firms to seek alternative routes for critical minerals.

China’s export controls and export bans have prompted U.S. buyers and defense contractors to diversify; investment such as JS Link’s $223 million permanent‑magnet plant in Georgia illustrates private sector moves to reduce reliance on single suppliers. The U.S. Department of the Interior recently broadened its critical‑minerals list, and studies estimate China’s tighter exports could cost the U.S. economy over $1 billion annually.

Governments are responding with capital and strategy: proposals include a $5 billion global mining fund, a Pentagon stockpiling effort, and diplomatic talks aimed at de‑escalation. Parallel technical advances — more efficient rare‑earth extraction methods and improved recycling techniques — increase prospects for domestic and secondary supply growth.

Together, policy shifts, new investment, and recycling innovation are accelerating diversification of critical‑minerals supply chains.