 Rare Earth Elements |
Unlocking America's Rare Earth Potential
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements containing similar chemical properties, typically found in mineral deposits. REEs are used widely in technology and homeland security. Roughly 70% of REEs come from China. The United States primarily depends on these imports, which are subject to global trade and supply chain disruptions.
At Mosaic, we're proud to play a critical role in changing that. As the largest U.S. agriculturally focused critical minerals company, we already supply the phosphate and potash that American farmers depend on to protect our food security. But our impact doesn't stop there. Mosaic has substantial deposits of heavy REEs and uranium in Florida and Louisiana—both in our reserves and in byproducts of our operations. In fact, Mosaic owns the largest surface stockpile of REEs outside of China. This positions us to help eliminate America's reliance on foreign sources for these vital materials.
Domestic production of REEs is more than an economic opportunity—it's a matter of national resilience. By unlocking these resources, we can strengthen U.S. supply chains for energy technologies, military defense equipment, and medical devices.
Right now, these valuable elements are stored in our gypstacks—highly regulated structures that hold phosphogypsum (PG), a byproduct of phosphate manufacturing. Since the 1980s, PG has been treated as waste in the U.S., even though more than 20 countries have identified over 55 beneficial uses for it. Outdated regulations mean that REEs and reusable PG remain locked away instead of contributing to America's strength.
With modern science and innovation, there is an opportunity to responsibly refine these minerals and put them to work for America. By advancing solutions that prioritize safety and sustainability, Mosaic can help transform these untapped resources into a foundation for a stronger, more resilient future.
