Core Viewpoint - A major U.S. steelmaker, Cleveland-Cliffs, is initiating plans to boost domestic production of rare earth minerals in response to China's trade restrictions, aligning with U.S. government efforts to enhance material independence [1][5][6]. Company Strategy - Cleveland-Cliffs is refocusing on its upstream mining assets to capitalize on the growing importance of rare earths, as stated by CEO Lourenco Goncalves [2]. - The company has identified two sites in Michigan and Minnesota with significant potential for rare earth mineralization based on geological surveys [4]. Market Context - The move by Cleveland-Cliffs is in line with the Trump administration's strategy to diversify sourcing of critical metals, which are essential for various technologies, including electronics and defense systems [5][6]. - The company aims to contribute to American manufacturing's independence from foreign sources for essential minerals [7]. Industry Implications - The U.S. government is actively seeking to address trade imbalances with China, particularly concerning rare earths, which have become a focal point in the ongoing trade dispute [9][10]. - Recent threats from the Trump administration to impose significant tariffs on China highlight the escalating tensions surrounding rare earth mineral exports [14].