Highlights
- China controls 60% of rare earth mining and 85% of processing, wielding significant geopolitical leverage.
- Military systems like F-35 fighters and submarines critically depend on rare earth elements for advanced technologies.
- European defense ambitions face substantial supply chain risks with limited alternative mineral sourcing strategies.
In a high-stakes editorial, Euractiv (opens in a new tab) rightly highlights the pivotal role of rare earth elements (REEs) in European defense readiness, particularly amid ongoing global conflicts. The article paints a vivid picture of China’s dominance in REE production and refining, and the threat that it poses to NATO militaries. Most factual claims hold up: China controls about 60% of global REE mining, 85% of processing, and wields growing leverage through export restrictions, including its recent 2025 ban on seven REEs vital to military systems. These figures align with data from the U.S. Geological Survey and the industry.
The article is strongest when connecting REEs to concrete military assets: citing the 900+ pounds of REEs in an F-35 and over 9,000 pounds in a Virginia-class submarine gives retail investors a tangible sense of scale. The European Commission’s critical materials list and NATO’s threat assessments also provide proper framing. The author Miriam Saenz de Tejada includes some very important diagrams, such as the one below for a F-16 fighter jet:
However, _Euractiv_’s editorial drifts into uncritical geopolitics. The line “Beijing withheld export approvals… to hit Washington and Brussels where it hurts” reads more as speculation than verified diplomatic intent. There is no sourced evidence here that China explicitly linked these restrictions to Western defense procurement. It’s plausible—but readers deserve attribution, not insinuation.
Additionally, the article flirts with optimism around Europe’s mineral partnerships in Central Asia and Ukraine without naming specific projects or companies. Ukraine’s underdeveloped REE sector, ongoing war, and fragile infrastructure are often overlooked. This is a glaring omission for investors seeking clarity.
Bottom Line
The recent Euractiv piece authored by Miriam Saenz de Tejada is directionally accurate and informative, but would benefit from firmer sourcing, less editorializing, and more precision around alternative supply strategies. Retail investors are left wondering: What specific REE projects are Brussels backing? Who are the key partners in Ukraine and Central Asia? What is Europe’s real five-year plan?
RARE EARTH EXCHANGES™ BIAS METER
| Claim Clarity | Financial Transparency | Strategic Detail Risk Disclosure | Investor Usefulness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
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