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According to a new University of Michigan study, North America has sufficient deposits of high-quality rare earth elements to build a robust supply chain for the clean energy revolution and everyday modern conveniences. 

Rare earth elements are critical components of many products in our lives, including cell phones, car batteries, computers, flat-screen televisions, and batteries for renewable energy storage. The study shows that about half of the rare earth elements mined today are used for magnets in products ranging from fighter jets to wind turbines and battery electric vehicles. 

Led by Greg Keoleian, professor of sustainable systems at the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and Stephen Kesler, professor emeritus of earth and environmental sciences, the researchers estimate that worldwide demand for rare earth minerals will increase from 91 kilotons in 2024 to 123 kilotons in 2030 and 150 kilotons in 2040. The U.S. only accounts for about 11% of rare earth element mining, while China accounts for about 70% of this mining.

The study tries to give a framework that could allow a systematic evaluation of deposits while avoiding an overconcentration. Additionally, environmentally, avoiding more mining than necessary, combined with other factors, the authors acknowledge that, with some government oversight, a stable industry could be developed. 

The study was supported by Ford Motor Co. and published in Resources, Conservation & Recycling.

Other co-authors include Christian Hitt and Jacob Cieply of the U-M SEAS Center for Sustainable Systems and Hyung Chul Kim, Robert DeKleine and James Anderson of Ford Motor Company’s Research and Innovation Center.

Read the full press release on the Michigan News website. 

Study: Onshoring North American rare earth mining (DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2026.109027)