The United States has secured long-term access to one of the world's largest untapped rare earth deposits, a move that could reduce its future dependence on mineral-rich African nations as Washington races to build a critical minerals supply chain independent of China.
REalloys, a Florida-based rare earth materials company, has signed a 15-year offtake agreement with Critical Metals Corp. covering 15% of Phase 1 production from the Tanbreez project in southern Greenland.
The deposit is among the world's largest known sources of heavy rare earth elements, including dysprosium and terbium, two minerals essential for fighter jets, missile systems, radar platforms, drones and other advanced defence technologies.
The deal comes as the United States seeks alternative rare earth supplies ahead of a Pentagon requirement due to take effect in 2027 that will restrict the use of Chinese-origin materials in key defence applications.
It also strengthens Washington's efforts to diversify critical mineral supply chains at a time when its ambitions in Africa face challenges ranging from insecurity in key mining regions to China's entrenched presence across much of the continent's critical minerals sector.
