U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, says strengthening America’s access to critical minerals is essential for both economic and national security reasons as lawmakers look to reduce dependence on China.
Smith, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee, spoke with Missourinet ahead of a committee hearing Wednesday focused on critical mineral supply chains and strategies to secure resources used in manufacturing, technology and defense industries.
“Unfortunately, China basically controls 90% of the global rare earth processing in the world,” Smith said. “And we got to break that up, and we got to make sure that we’re not dependent on China when it comes to our critical minerals and rare earth.”
Smith said lawmakers will examine ways to strengthen partnerships with other countries and address supply chain vulnerabilities tied to key resources.
The Missouri Republican recently traveled to Central Asia to discuss potential opportunities for the United States to obtain critical minerals from alternative sources.
“Just last week, I visited Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to talk with both of the presidents how we can benefit by their rare earths and critical minerals for the United States to be purchasing rather than China,” Smith said.
Smith also said Missouri could help expand domestic production, pointing to mineral deposits in the southeastern part of the state.
“That would be very beneficial to our region if we can do processing of these rare earths and critical minerals as well,” Smith said. “But if you look to Southeast Missouri alone, it is target rich with various minerals such as cobalt, of course, lead, copper, zinc, you name it.”
The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning in Washington.
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