A rare-earth project in Texas aims to strengthen US national security by developing domestic resources. The Round Top deposit, located in West Texas, is one of the richest known deposits of heavy rare-earth minerals in North America. These materials are essential for defense systems, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.
The project has drawn attention as the US looks to challenge China’s dominance of the global rare-earth supply chain. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham says the state’s mineral resources can play a key role in reshaping that balance while delivering economic benefits.
“We’re heavy on the heavies,” Buckingham said. “It’s going to be billions of dollars into public education… We’re breaking China’s stronghold on this market. We are making Texas safer.”
The project aims to reduce US reliance on China for these critical minerals, generating billions of dollars in revenue for Texas public schools and strengthening national security.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/texas-rare-earth-project-aims-curb-us-reliance-china-strengthen-national-security