The US has the capacity, know-how, and resources to solve the rare earths supply chain problem, but the real challenge is organizational and political coordination.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the US has the sort of capacity the know how, the science, the natural resources, the money, etc. to do it. I only question, of course, whether we have the sort of organizational capacity.”

The United States is currently facing a national emergency regarding its complete reliance on China for rare earth materials and the technology to refine them.

“So I think we actually do have a national emergency. And certainly, you know, policymakers and companies understand that when China shut off access. And so, you know, that was the moment. I think that was the moment where it really hit that that not only overreliance, but an up to 100% reliance that”

The reliance on a single natural source of rubber creates a significant risk of a global societal collapse if that source is compromised.

“If SALB gets established in Southeast Asia and you lose natural rubber, then you're talking about a complete global societal meltdown.”