The Department of Defense is requesting funds to increase the production of rare earth minerals in the U.S. to reduce the country’s reliance on China, Reuters reported Thursday.
Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Andrews, a spokesman for DoD, said the department’s request was included in a report submitted to the White House as part of a federal program seeking to offer economic incentives to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities. “The department continues to work closely with the president, Congress and U.S. industry to improve U.S. competitiveness in the mineral market,†Andrews told the publication.
Rare earth minerals are a set of 17 chemical elements used in lasers, satellites, jet engines and other military systems as well as in consumer products.