Rare Earth Elements in Namibia and South Africa: Considerations for U.S. Investment

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REE), 17 metals and alloys, are considered critical supply-chain inputs in the production of military equipment; the civilian economy, including medical equipment and television technologies; and in clean technologies that reduce carbon emissions. Americas dependence on imported REEs particularly from China, a strategic competitor has precipitated initiatives to diversify the U.S. supply chain of these critical minerals. Africa's nascent REE sector can serve as a stable and predictable source for critical minerals for the United States. Namibia and South Africa are of particular interest, as they are the countries in Africa with the largest amounts of mineral deposits that contain REEs. Moreover, both countries have strong business climates and robust mining industries. However, there are concerns surrounding some weakening tenets for good governance and good resource management.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2022
Accession Number
AD1207214

Entities

People

  • Dorina A. Bekoe
  • Erin L. Sindle
  • Stephanie M. Burchard
  • Sydney N. Deatherage

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Africa
  • Business Administration
  • China
  • Civil Rights
  • Commerce
  • Department Of State
  • Elements
  • Geological Surveys
  • Governments
  • Investments
  • Law
  • Management Personnel
  • Metals
  • Military Equipment
  • Minerals
  • Natural Resources
  • Production
  • Rare Earth Elements
  • Resource Management
  • South Africa
  • Supply Chain
  • United States
  • Virginia

Readers

  • Economics
  • International Relations, focusing on Korea-Africa and North Korea-South Korea relations, and Nigeria-Latin American Relations.
  • Theoretical Analysis.