Blockchain Registration Transaction Record

Ucore Secures $18.4M DoD Award to Boost US Rare Earth Independence

Ucore Rare Metals receives $18.4M DoD award to advance Louisiana rare earth processing facility, challenging China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains.

This development matters because it represents a critical step toward reducing Western dependence on China for rare earth elements, which are essential components in modern technologies including electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and defense systems. China currently controls approximately 80-90% of global rare earth production and processing, creating significant supply chain vulnerabilities for Western nations. Ucore's success in developing domestic processing capabilities could help secure supply chains for numerous industries, enhance national security by reducing reliance on geopolitical competitors, and create high-value manufacturing jobs in the United States. The timing is particularly crucial as the global transition to clean energy and advanced technologies continues to accelerate demand for these critical materials.