A Break Down of the China-U.S. Rare Metal Wars

In this episode, Brian C. Adams is joined again by Louis O'Connor to provide an update on the strategic metals and rare earth elements market. They discuss how China has cornered the market for many rare earths and is now using that dominance for geopolitical leverage. Louis provides background on how China came to control rare earth production and processing, the challenges for the West to build out alternate supply chains, and how current tensions are impacting prices and stockpiling. He shares thoughts on investment opportunities during the supply gap period and key trends for investors to watch in this critical market.[00:00 - 07:17] - Understanding Rare Earths and China's DominanceDefining strategic metals and their uses in everyday techHow China came to control rare earth production and processing since the 1980sChina has restricted exports of some rare earths recently for geopolitical leverageThe challenges for Western nations to build alternate supply chains[07:18 - 14:52] - Challenges in Mining and Processing Outside ChinaThe environmental and regulatory hurdles around mining and processing rare earthsThe current lack of expertise in rare earth engineering and processing in the WestInitiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act to promote domestic capabilitiesBut building alternate supply chains likely to take 10-20 years[14:53 - 23:26] - Geopolitical Tensions Impacting Rare Earths MarketHow China's export restrictions are impacting prices and stockpilingPotential for more Chinese export limits this yearThe race to reshore semiconductor manufacturing as part of the supply chain battleEurope's Critical Minerals Act to reduce dependence on China[23:27 - 33:43] - Investment Opportunities and OutlookThe investment thesis and opportunities around strategic metalsSigns to watch for growing momentum and demand in this marketPossible downside scenarios that could hurt rare earth investmentsKey takeaways for investors looking at this spaceKey Quote:"China pretty much has won the war when it comes to rare earths. We in the West now wait in line for what China will release after they satisfy their own domestic quotas." - Louis O'ConnorConnect with Louis O'Connor!Website: www.strategicmetalsinvest.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-o-connor-a583341b8/This episode is sponsored by Mack International, a specialized executive search and human capital consulting firm serving the family office/wealth management markets. Please visit their website here for more information.Download our FREE Strategizing for Inflation Guide here: https://www.excelsiorgp.com/download/Connect with me:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-c-adams/ (LinkedIn)LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND LEAVE US A REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on. Thank you for tuning in and Stay Tuned for the Next Episode COMING SOON! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.