Mining Firms Focused on Reducing China Mineral Reliance
As global trade tensions rise, operators are investing in domestic extraction to mitigate supply risks.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in International Trade
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Mining companies are accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese mineral supplies following the introduction of export controls in April 2025. Firms are increasingly prioritizing jurisdictional security to stabilize future cash flows and production.
Why it matters
The United States is actively seeking foreign mining expertise to bypass China's dominance, which accounted for 91% of global refined rare earth output in 2024. This push compels operators to reconsider their supply chain stability and the risks of relying on concentrated foreign mineral sources.
China controlled 91% of global refined rare earth output and 60% of mined production in 2024. Meanwhile, Centerra Gold is committing $425 million to $450 million to restart the Thompson Creek molybdenum mine in Idaho to integrate with its Pennsylvania processing facility.
The players
Centerra Gold
A Canadian-based gold and base metal mining company that operates assets across North America and manages the Langeloth processing facility.
Edward Fishman
A former U.S. government official who advocates for deeper collaboration with Canada to ensure national mineral security.
Hecla Mining
A major silver producer with active mining operations located in Alaska, Idaho, and the Yukon territory.
The details
Operators are shifting toward vertical integration to manage jurisdictional risk as international trade disputes escalate. By connecting regional mines, such as the Thompson Creek site, to domestic processing facilities like Centerra Gold's Langeloth plant, companies are creating closed-loop supply chains. This strategy aims to secure production capacity against future export controls similar to those implemented by China in April 2025.
Timeline
China introduced mineral export controls in April 2025.
The Mining Forum Americas occurred in Colorado Springs on Monday, Sept 28, 2026.
Centerra Gold expects to reach first production at Thompson Creek by mid-2027.
Market Landscape
The push for domestic mineral security marks a strategic departure from globalized procurement patterns that prevailed prior to the April 2025 Chinese mineral export controls. This shift mirrors the broader transition toward regionalized supply chains intended to shield operators from geopolitical trade volatility.
Operators dependent on rare earth minerals should audit their current supplier base for jurisdictional risk exposure. Factor in a mid-2027 timeline for new domestic production capacities to come online as a potential alternative to existing volatile supply chains.
The takeaway
The concentration of mineral refining capacity in China serves as a structural risk that is driving a pivot toward North American resource integration. Operators should monitor Centerra Gold's mid-2027 production ramp-up as a signal for the viability of domestic high-cost extraction strategies.
Further reading
For more on the current shifts in trade policy, visit our International Trade section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Northern Miner.
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Should the U.S. prioritize securing domestic mineral supplies even if it strains relations with key allies?
