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China’s Rare Earth Campaign Against Japan

China’s imposition of new rare earth export restrictions on Japan, following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan, represents an escalation in China–Japan tensions and highlights Beijing’s increasing reliance on mineral export controls as a deterrence tool.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — January 13, 2026

Greenland, Rare Earths, and Arctic Security

Greenland holds globally significant rare earth resources, but harsh conditions and weak infrastructure have stalled mining. U.S. interests are best advanced not through coercion, but coordinated investment with European allies to counter China’s influence.

Report by Meredith Schwartz and Gracelin Baskaran — January 8, 2026

Stabilizing Cobalt Markets: A Price Floor for U.S. Minerals Security

U.S. cobalt security is threatened by severe price volatility driven by PRC oversupply, which has pushed Western mines—including the only U.S. cobalt mine—offline. The United States should use a price floor for strategic projects needed for national and economic security.

Brief by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — December 10, 2025

Ahead of APEC, Trump Signs Flurry of Bilateral Minerals Agreements on Asia Tour

Leading up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, President Trump signed new bilateral minerals agreements between the United States and Australia, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand, marking an escalation in minerals diversification efforts.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — October 31, 2025

Friendshoring Copper: A New Pillar of the U.S.-Brazilian Economic Partnership

Brazil is rich in critical minerals and rapidly becoming a copper hotspot. While China has established a dominant position in Brazil’s mining sector, U.S. engagement remains limited. The U.S. must step up with financing, supply-chain integration, and smarter trade tools.

Brief by Gracelin Baskaran, Meredith Schwartz, and Bryan Harris — September 11, 2025

Developing Rare Earth Processing Hubs: An Analytical Approach

The report presents a quantitative evaluation of 10 countries to determine their potential as commercially viable rare earth processing hubs, using 10 assessment criteria. It identifies the U.S., Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada as the most competitive jurisdictions.

Report by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — July 28, 2025

Rethinking Copper Tariffs

President Trump recently imposed a 50 percent tariff on all copper imports, citing national security concerns. Although intended to strengthen domestic production, the United States’ dependence on foreign smelting could disrupt supply chains and increase China’s market share.

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — July 23, 2025

Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the Mining Sector

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law with revisions to key mining policies. While the legislation boosts stockpile funding and tightens restrictions on Chinese entities, it lacks a clear demand-side strategy, creating uncertainty for downstream manufacturers.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — July 9, 2025

Trump Strikes a Deal to Restore Rare Earths Access

President Trump announced an agreement with China to resume exports of rare earth minerals and magnets, following two months of supply disruptions to U.S. industry. China's chokehold on rare earth supply chains and resulting leverage necessitates investment into alternative supply.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — June 11, 2025