That was the headline question in a recent CNBC analysis of China’s attempt to corner the market on precious metals the U.S. and the world need for technology, electricity, satellites, batteries and AI.

Today, China produces almost three times the rest of the world combined, and four times the output of the U.S. This has made rare earths a critical bargaining chip in the trade war between the U.S. and China.

We hear from our spies in the Trump administration that developing rare earths is regarded as a national security high priority – especially at the Interior Department under Sec. Doug Burgum.

We certainly hope so. America has the most minerals of any nation and yet we import vast amounts from abroad.  We need to “mine baby mine” and topple the China monopoly.