No worries if they remain in effect. It's a fluid situation and don't think all the details have completely been ironed out but just in case: Australia's got our back.
Can US source the following from Australia now? Scandium Samarium Gadolinium Lutetium Yttrium Dysprosium Terbium "
Co Pilot:
Yes, the U.S. can source many of these rare earth elements from Australia, especially Dysprosium, Terbium, and Yttrium, thanks to expanded mining and refining partnerships. However, availability varies by element and processing capacity.
Here’s a breakdown of Australia’s current capabilities and U.S. sourcing potential:
🇦🇺 Australia’s Rare Earth Production Landscape
Australia has significantly ramped up its rare earth mining and refining capacity in recent years, positioning itself as a strategic alternative to China. Key developments include:
Australia–U.S. $8.5B Critical Minerals Framework (2025): This bilateral agreement strengthens supply chains for defense-critical minerals, including rare earths.
Lynas Rare Earths: Australia’s leading producer, with facilities in Western Australia and Malaysia, is known for producing Dysprosium, Terbium, and Yttrium, which are essential for high-performance magnets.
Emerging Producers: Companies like Arafura Rare Earths and Hastings Technology Metals are developing projects that include Samarium, Gadolinium, and Lutetium, though these are still scaling up.
🔍 Element-by-Element Availability
Element Australian Availability Notes
Scandium Limited Found in some deposits, but not widely produced yet.
Samarium Emerging Present in monazite and bastnäsite ores; production is growing.
Gadolinium Emerging Available in mixed rare earth concentrates; refining is limited.
Lutetium Rare One of the least abundant; small quantities may be sourced.
Yttrium Available Produced by Lynas and others; used in lasers and phosphors.
Dysprosium Available Key export from Lynas; vital for defense magnets.
Terbium Available Produced alongside Dysprosium; strategic for U.S. defense.
Sources:
🛡️ Strategic Implications
The U.S. Department of Defense has already begun securing supply agreements with Australian firms for Dysprosium and Terbium, given their importance in missile and drone systems.
Scandium and Lutetium remain harder to source in large volumes, but Australia is investing in exploration and refining technologies.
Where can the US source Scandium Samarium Gadolinium Lutetium Yttrium Dysprosium Terbium in light of China's embargo?
Co Pilot
Yes, the U.S. can source Scandium, Samarium, Gadolinium, Lutetium, Yttrium, Dysprosium, and Terbium from several countries besides China—most notably Australia, the U.S. itself, and select partners in Europe and Africa. However, refining capacity remains a bottleneck.
Here’s a breakdown of sourcing options and strategic developments:
🌍 Key Non-Chinese Sources of Rare Earths
Country Elements Available Notes
Australia Dysprosium, Terbium, Yttrium, Samarium, Gadolinium Lynas Rare Earths and Arafura are major producers.
United States Samarium, Gadolinium, Dysprosium, Terbium, Lutetium, Yttrium Energy Fuels (Utah) is scaling up production of 6 of the 7 embargoed elements.
Canada Samarium, Gadolinium, Yttrium Avalon Advanced Materials and Search Minerals are developing capacity.
South Africa Dysprosium, Terbium, Lutetium Rainbow Rare Earths is expanding operations.
Vietnam & India Scandium, Yttrium Smaller-scale producers with potential for growth.
🏭 U.S. Domestic Capacity
Energy Fuels Inc. in Utah has developed the ability to produce six of the seven embargoed rare earth oxides at scale, excluding Scandium.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Department of Defense are investing in nontraditional sources, including coal byproducts and recycling.
🔄 Refining Bottlenecks
While mining is expanding, China still controls ~90% of global refining capacity, especially for heavy rare earths like Dysprosium and Terbium.
The U.S. is building refining partnerships with Australia, South Korea, and Japan to reduce dependence.
🤝 Recent Trade Developments
Following President Trump’s October 2025 summit with Xi Jinping, China agreed to delay its export curbs for one year, easing short-term pressure.
However, U.S. strategy remains focused on long-term independence, with new deals across Asia and Africa.
⚠️ Scandium: The Outlier
Scandium remains the hardest to source in large quantities. It’s found in trace amounts in Australia, Russia, and Ukraine, but commercial-scale refining is limited
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