RARE EARTH MATERIALS: Developing a Comprehensive Approach Could Help DOD Better Manage National Security Risks in the Supply Chain

Abstract

DOD depends on rare earths that contain one or more of 17 similar metals which have unique properties, such as magnetism at high temperatures, to provide functionality in weapon system components. Many steps in the rare earths supply chain, such as mining, are conducted in China, a situation that may pose risks to the continued availability of these materials.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2016
Accession Number
AD1173046

Entities

People

  • Marie Mak

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Congress
  • Contractors
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Logistics
  • Materials
  • Military Equipment
  • National Security
  • Rare Earth Elements
  • Risk
  • Risk Management
  • Security
  • Strategic Materials
  • Supply Chain
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Strategic Security Studies