US appears to be concentrating on assisting local producers of Rare Earths.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-rareearths-pentagon-exclusive/exclusive-pentagon-races-to-track-u-s-rare-earths-output-amid-china-trade-dispute-idUSKCN1U727N

POLITICS

JULY 13, 2019 / 2:51 AM / UPDATED 7 HOURS AGO

Exclusive: Pentagon races to track U.S. rare earths output amid China trade dispute

Ernest Scheyder

6 MIN READ

(Reuters) - The Pentagon is rapidly assessing the United States’ rare earths capability in a race to secure stable supply of the specialized material amid the country’s trade conflict with China, which controls the rare earths industry, according to a government document seen by Reuters.

The Pentagon wants miners to describe plans to develop U.S. rare earths mines and processing facilities, and asked manufacturers to detail their needs for the minerals, according to the document, which is dated June 27.

Responses are required by July 31, a short time frame that underscores the Pentagon’s urgency. The U.S. government’s fiscal year ends in September.