Summary
The U.S. Interior Department's mine-waste recovery program is accelerating, focusing on tailings and abandoned mines as sources of critical minerals such as germanium and gallium. China has reaffirmed strict anti-smuggling enforcement, maintaining tight control over strategic mineral exports.
Key Event Details
The U.S. Interior Department is mapping federal mine-waste sites and streamlining approvals for critical mineral recovery, including germanium and gallium. Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/land-use-biodiversity/us-prioritizes-recovery-critical-minerals-mine-waste-2025-07-24/
China’s Commerce Ministry reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach toward smuggling of strategic minerals such as gallium and germanium. Source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/china-vows-tougher-action-against-smuggling-strategic-minerals-2025-07-19/
Strategic Takeaways
Mine-waste processing is emerging as a strategic domestic supply source.
China's enforcement is removing remaining informal supply channels.
U.S. federal support is likely to accelerate private-sector investment in waste-recovery projects.
Watchlist Companies
Company | Ticker | Region | Reason to Watch | Company Website | Source Article |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Teck Resources | TECK | Canada | Exploring expansion of germanium output from byproducts in North America | ||
Ucore Rare Metals | UCU.V | Canada/US | Developing U.S.-backed processing for rare earths and gallium recovery |
Action Points
Track permitting and funding updates for U.S. waste-recovery projects.
Monitor Teck’s germanium expansion decisions and potential government partnerships.
Watch for policy developments around incentives for domestic processing facilities.