U.S. Turns to Africa for Rare Earth Minerals Amid Defense Stockpile Crisis

*The United States is facing a growing shortage of rare earth minerals essential to its military operations, and Africa may offer a potential solution.

Sources cited by the South China Morning Post suggest that American defense reserves of these materials could be critically low, with only about two months of supply remaining. This has raised concerns about the country’s ability to sustain military readiness, according to Business Insider Africa.

The situation is being worsened by recent military activity. U.S. strikes against Iran beginning February 28 reportedly consumed roughly $5.6 billion in munitions within a matter of days, based on Pentagon figures. This rapid expenditure has intensified the need to replenish weapons stockpiles, many of which depend on rare earth elements such as dysprosium, terbium, gallium, and germanium. These materials are vital for technologies including missile guidance systems, fighter aircraft, radar platforms, and secure communications.

At the center of the issue is China’s dominant position in the global rare earth supply chain. Chinese-controlled processing and export networks are involved in more than three quarters of U.S. defense platforms, creating significant strategic dependence. In recent years, export controls on several dual-use minerals have been directed at American military contractors. China also accounts for approximately 48% of global antimony production, a material crucial for ammunition and night-vision technology, further increasing U.S. vulnerability.

In response, Washington is turning its attention to Africa, where large mineral reserves remain underdeveloped. The Democratic Republic of the Congo produces over 70% of the world’s cobalt, while Zimbabwe holds major lithium reserves. Namibia and Tanzania are also advancing rare earth extraction projects aimed at global markets.

Other countries add to the region’s appeal. South Africa offers manganese, platinum group metals, and antimony, while Botswana has recently attracted attention following reports of a new deposit containing all 15 rare earth elements, along with copper, cobalt, nickel, and vanadium.

For more than two decades, China has steadily expanded its presence in African mining through state-backed investments and long-term agreements. The United States is now seeking to counter that influence by strengthening partnerships with African nations and developing supply chains that operate outside of Chinese control.