Could the US unlock China’s rare earths grip with AI and quantum computing?

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Jevans NyabiageFebruary 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

To challenge China's dominance in rare earth minerals, the U.S. is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing to develop synthetic substitutes or alloys. According to Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, these technologies could drastically reduce the time needed to secure critical materials, potentially bypassing the lengthy process of opening new mines. While Western governments are attempting to build independent supply chains, China currently controls most of the world's rare earth mining and processing. Some analysts believe that China's established industrial processing and manufacturing capabilities, built over decades, will be difficult to overcome, even with technological advancements. China's dominance stems partly from its willingness to undertake environmentally hazardous processing that Western nations avoid.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Beijing 30% Reuters 30% Western nations 40% Alphabet 40% Western governments 50% SandboxAQ 50% Jack Hidary 60% United States 70% China ×690%

Keywords

rare earth minerals 100% china 90% artificial intelligence 80% quantum computing 70% supply chains 70% synthetic substitutes 60% mining 50% processing 50% alloys 50% geopolitical risks 40%