With China controlling approximately 90% of global rare earth processing capacity, the future of AI, semiconductors, defense systems, transportation, and advanced manufacturing may depend on rebuilding supply chains that most CEOs rarely think about. As CEO of USA Rare Earth, Barbara Humpton explains why rare earth elements are the hidden foundation of modern technology and why business leaders must shift their thinking from supply-chain efficiency to value-chain resilience. She argues that access to critical minerals has become one of the defining business and national security issues of our time—and that companies must act now to diversify supply sources before disruption occurs.
The interview was recorded on May 22nd, 2026.