Securing Heavy Rare Earths for the Energy Transition: The United States, China, and the Search for Viable Solutions

This thesis examines why heavy rare earth elements, especially dysprosium and terbium, remain a major US supply-chain vulnerability for electric vehicles and wind turbines. It argues that the key bottleneck is not just mineral availability, but China’s dominance in processing, refining, and magnet manufacturing. By evaluating foreign reserves, recycling, a domestic critical minerals hub, and technology substitution, the thesis finds that substitution is the strongest near-term strategy, while long-term resilience will require a broader mix of domestic midstream investment, recycling, and allied supply partnerships.