Rising U.S.–China tariffs have disrupted rare earth supplies, threatening tech and defense sectors, reports Aamir Khollam of Interesting Engineering. In response, a U.S. recycling initiative led by Western Digital, Microsoft, and others is recovering rare earths from decommissioned data center hardware using a new acid-free method. The process achieves a 90% recovery rate with 95% fewer emissions than mining. As global trade grows uncertain, this scalable, eco-friendly solution offers a path to greater supply chain security and national resilience. He writes:
With rare earth exports caught in the crossfire of rising U.S.–China tariffs, the global tech and defense industries are bracing for supply disruptions.
On April 4, China imposed new restrictions on seven critical rare earth elements and magnets, requiring export licenses and delaying outbound shipments.[…]
In a first-of-its-kind pilot, Western Digital, Microsoft, Critical Materials Recycling (CMR), and PedalPoint Recycling processed nearly 50,000 pounds of decommissioned hard drives and server hardware.
Using a new acid-free chemical method, the team extracted rare earth elements like Neodymium, Praseodymium, and Dysprosium, as well as high-purity gold, copper, aluminum, and steel. […]
As geopolitical tensions rise, a domestic answer to rare earth supply may no longer be optional, it may be essential.
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