Technology Metals
Charted: Where the U.S. Gets Its Rare Earths From
See this visualization first on the Voronoi app.
Charted: Where the U.S. Gets Its Rare Earths From
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
China dominates the global supply of rare earth elements (REEs)—a group of 17 minerals vital to everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to guided missiles and satellites.
Between 2020 and 2023, China accounted for 70% of U.S. rare earth imports, making it by far the country’s top supplier. Malaysia, Japan, and Estonia round out the top four.
| Country | Share of U.S. Imports |
|---|---|
| 🇨🇳 China | 70% |
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 13% |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 6% |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | 5% |
| 🌐 Others | 6% |
This chart breaks down America’s rare earth import sources. The data comes from the U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, as of January 2025, and Statista.
China’s Grip on Rare Earths
Despite their name, rare earths are relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust. The challenge lies in finding them in high enough concentrations—and processing them economically and sustainably.
China produces around 90% of the world’s refined rare earths and is home to the largest capacity for separation and purification, giving it a chokehold on global supply chains.
Take yttrium, for example—used in radar systems, lasers, and television screens. Between 2020 and 2023, 93% of all yttrium compounds imported into the U.S. came from China.
Other critical rare earths affected by this supply concentration include:
- Samarium
- Gadolinium
- Terbium
- Dysprosium
- Lutetium
- Scandium
Many of these elements are essential in military applications, electric motors, and next-gen electronics. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Tesla, and Apple rely on these materials in their core products.
Tariffs, Tensions, and Export Controls
As part of its response to Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese goods, China recently expanded export restrictions on seven rare earth elements, temporarily suspending overseas shipments of the minerals.
The U.S. currently has only one rare earth mine: the Mountain Pass mine in California. While it’s one of the richest rare earth deposits globally, nearly all of the ore extracted there is still shipped to China for final processing.
To diversify away from Chinese dependence, the U.S. has been actively seeking new supply partnerships. One potential opportunity is in Ukraine, which holds Europe’s largest recoverable rare earth reserves. Currently, the Trump administration is working to close a deal to secure access to these untapped resources.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
If you enjoyed this graphic, be sure to check out this chart illustrating the GDP impact of Trump’s tariffs on China.
Misc
Charted: The End-of-Life Recycling Rates of Select Metals
End-of-life recycling rates measure the percentage of a material that is recovered at the end of its useful life, rather than being disposed of or incinerated.
Charted: The End-of-Life Recycling Rates of Select Metals
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on Apple or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
We visualize the end-of-life recycling rates (EOL-RR) of commonly used metals in the economy. Data is sourced from the International Energy Agency, last updated in 2021.
Tracking recycling rates helps manage resources better and make smarter policies, guiding efforts to cut down on waste.
Ranked: The End of Life Recycling Rates of Select Metals
Gold has an 86% recycling rate according to the latest available data. Per the Boston Consulting Group, one-third of total gold supply was met through recycling between 1995–2014.
| Metal | End-of-life recycling rate (2021) | 🔍 Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 86% | 💍 Jewelry / Electronics |
| Platinum/Palladium | 60% | 🔬 Optical fibers / Dental fillings |
| Nickel | 60% | 🔋 Batteries / Turbine blades |
| Silver | 50% | 💍 Jewelry / Mirrors |
| Copper | 46% | 🔌 Electrical wiring / Industrial equipment |
| Aluminum | 42% | ✈️ Aeroplane parts / Cans |
| Chromium | 34% | 🍽️ Stainless steel / Leather tanning |
| Zinc | 33% | 🔗 Galvanizing metal / Making rubber |
| Cobalt | 32% | 🔋 Batteries / Turbine engines |
| Lithium | 0.5% | 🔋 Batteries / Pacemakers |
| REEs | 0.2% | 📱 Mobile phones / Hard drives |
Note: Figures are rounded.
Several factors can influence metal recycling rates. According to this International Resource Panel report, metals that are used in large quantities (steel) or have a high value (gold) tend to have higher recycling rates.
However, for materials used in small quantities in complex products (rare earth elements in electronics), recycling becomes far more challenging.
Finally, a metal’s EOL-RR is strongly influenced by the least efficient link in the recycling chain, which is typically how it’s initially collected.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
If you enjoyed this post, check out Critical Materials: Where China, the EU, and the U.S. Overlap which shows how critical materials are classified within different jurisdictions.
Technology Metals
Mapped: Ukraine’s Mineral Resources
Ukraine claims to hold nearly $15 trillion worth of mineral resources.
Mapped: Ukraine’s Mineral Resources
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
An anticipated minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine was not signed today after a contentious Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
The proposed Reconstruction Investment Fund references “deposits of minerals, hydrocarbons, oil, and gas”. Most notably, the Trump administration has shown interest in rare earth reserves—a group of 17 chemically similar elements critical to manufacturing high-tech products, including loudspeakers and computer hard drives.
The data for this graphic comes from the Ukrainian Geologic Survey.
Ukraine’s Untapped Resource Potential
Ukraine claims to hold nearly $15 trillion worth of mineral resources, making it one of the most resource-rich nations in Europe. The country is home to the continent’s largest reserves of lithium, titanium, and uranium.
- Titanium – Used in aerospace and military applications
- Graphite – Essential for battery production
- Lithium – A key component of lithium-ion batteries
- Beryllium – Vital for defense and telecommunications
- Rare Earth Elements – Crucial for electronics, renewable energy, and defense industries
According to data from the Ukrainian geologic survey, Ukraine possesses 5% of the world’s mineral resources, including 23 of the 50 materials deemed critical by the U.S. government. These include:
| Element | Reserves (tonnes) | Global Production (%) | Reserves Global/Europe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 18,600,000 t | 4% | #5 |
| Manganese | 140,000,000 t | 1.6% | #4 |
| Iron | 6,500,000,000 t | 1.5% | #8 |
| Beryllium | 13,900 t | - | - |
| Lithium | Classified | - | #1 (Europe) |
| Titanium | Classified | 7% | #9 |
| Uranium | Classified | 2% | #1 (Europe) |
Geopolitical and Economic Implications
Access to Ukraine’s resource wealth could strengthen U.S. supply chains and reduce reliance on China, which dominates rare earth processing. However, securing investment and ensuring stable extraction remains a challenge amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
If you enjoyed this topic, check out this graphic that visualizes the top 10 donors to Ukraine between Jan 24, 2022, and July 31, 2023.
-
Electrification2 years agoThe Six Major Types of Lithium-ion Batteries: A Visual Comparison
-
Real Assets2 years agoWhich Countries Have the Lowest Inflation?
-
Electrification3 years agoThe World’s Top 10 Lithium Mining Companies
-
Real Assets1 year ago200 Years of Global Gold Production, by Country
-
Electrification2 years agoLife Cycle Emissions: EVs vs. Combustion Engine Vehicles
-
Misc2 years agoMapped: U.S. Mineral Production Value by State in 2022
-
Energy Shift2 years agoMapped: Biggest Sources of Electricity by State and Province
-
Electrification2 years agoVisualizing Global EV Production in 2022, by Brand