The Hidden Threat: Foreign Malign Influence in America’s Critical Mineral Industry
As a former FBI special agent myself and my colleagues have seen firsthand how foreign adversaries can exploit vulnerabilities in our national security. Now, as the founder of Denali Defense Solutions, I'm sounding the alarm on a growing threat that could undermine America's technological edge and military readiness: foreign malign influence in our critical mineral industry.
The stakes could not be higher. Critical minerals are the building blocks of our modern world, essential for everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to advanced weapon systems and renewable energy technologies. Yet the United States finds itself dangerously dependent on foreign sources, particularly China, for many of these crucial resources.
This vulnerability was starkly highlighted in December 2024 when China abruptly banned exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States. These minerals are vital for producing semiconductors, night-vision goggles, and other military technologies. The move sent shockwaves through U.S. industries and defense circles, with the U.S. Geological Survey estimating the ban could cost the American economy up to $3.4 billion.
But the threat goes beyond mere supply disruptions. There's a more insidious danger lurking beneath the surface. Foreign adversaries could potentially engineer critical minerals to fail or operate inefficiently, causing additional costs and compromising U.S. national security. Imagine stealth aircraft with faulty radar-absorbing coatings or missile guidance systems with unreliable components. The consequences could be catastrophic.
This scenario isn't just the stuff of techno-thrillers. The 2015 novel "Ghost Fleet" by P.W. Singer and August Cole chillingly depicts a future conflict where China exploits its dominance in rare earth elements to cripple U.S. military capabilities. While fictional, the book's premise is rooted in very real strategic vulnerabilities.
Fortunately, there's hope on the horizon. The new Trump administration has made securing America's critical mineral supply chains a top priority. On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at "unleashing Alaska's extraordinary resource potential." This is significant because Alaska is a treasure trove of critical minerals, hosting 49 of the 50 minerals designated as critical by the U.S. government.
The executive order seeks to expedite permitting for energy and natural resource projects in Alaska, prioritize the development of liquefied natural gas, and reverse many of the previous administration's environmental restrictions. While primarily focused on oil and gas, the order's emphasis on maximizing resource development could also boost critical mineral production in the state.
However, ramping up domestic production is only part of the solution. We must also be vigilant against attempts by foreign actors to infiltrate and manipulate our critical mineral supply chains. This could take many forms:
1. Corporate espionage to steal mining and processing technologies
2. Attempts to influence policymakers and regulators
3. Strategic investments in U.S. mining companies to gain control over resources
4. Cyber attacks on mining operations and processing facilities
As your partners in defense, Denali Defense Solutions is committed to helping companies and government agencies navigate these complex threats. We offer comprehensive risk assessments, security audits, and training programs to fortify your defenses against foreign malign influence.
Remember, the first step in protecting yourself is awareness. Understanding the strategic importance of critical minerals and the potential for foreign exploitation is crucial. By working together, we can secure America's critical mineral supply chains and safeguard our national security for generations to come.
In this new era of great power competition, our technological edge and military readiness depend on a stable and secure supply of critical minerals. Let's ensure that America's future isn't built on a foundation of foreign control and potential sabotage. The time to act is now.
