Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the escalating geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China over rare earth resources, particularly focusing on the strategic significance of Greenland's Tanbreez rare earth mine and the implications for global supply chains and energy dynamics [3][15]. Group 1: Market Reaction - On October 6, 2025, Critical Metals (CRML.US) saw its stock price surge by 109%, reaching a market capitalization of over $1.2 billion, marking the largest single-day gain on NASDAQ in nearly a decade [3]. - Following the announcement, the U.S. rare earth sector experienced a collective rally, with MP Materials rising by 4.8% (up 355% year-to-date), USA Rare Earth increasing by over 12%, and American Resources climbing by 13% [4]. Group 2: Greenland's Strategic Importance - The Tanbreez rare earth mine in southern Greenland has total reserves of 4.7 billion tons of ore and 28.2 million tons of rare earth oxides, accounting for 12% of the world's known reserves [5]. - The mine's heavy rare earth content is three times that of typical deposits, essential for manufacturing F-35 radar and Tesla motors, with an expected annual production of 85,000 tons of rare earth concentrate, meeting 20% of U.S. demand [5]. Group 3: Geopolitical Context - The Trump administration's previous attempts to purchase Greenland have shifted to capital penetration strategies, utilizing the Defense Production Act to provide subsidies under the guise of national security [6]. - Collaborations with major tech companies like Apple and General Electric aim to secure 90% of the mine's rare earth output, while military cooperation leverages the Thule Air Base for enhanced Arctic route control [6]. Group 4: U.S.-China Rare Earth Competition - China controls nearly 50% of the global rare earth reserves, with significant technological and cost advantages, producing praseodymium-neodymium oxide at one-third the cost of U.S. firms [7]. - The U.S. is attempting to reconstruct its supply chain from mining to magnet production, investing in domestic resources while forming alliances with countries like Japan and Australia [8]. Group 5: Future Projections - Short-term (2025-2027): The U.S. is expected to accelerate domestic production, while China may impose export controls, potentially driving global rare earth prices above $200,000 per ton [14]. - Mid-term (2028-2030): The emergence of a "tripartite" structure with the EU and India releasing production capacity, although China will still control 70% of separation capacity [14]. - Long-term (post-2030): Increased focus on rare earth recycling technologies, with urban mining becoming a significant resource strategy [14].