America's heavy reliance on imports of its rare earth minerals via supply chains controlled by China could result in the most disruptive energy crisis since 1973.

The VanEck Rare Earth And Strategic Metals ETF targets companies mining and refining rare earth and strategic metals for EVs and clean tech. Learn more about REMX ETF here.

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The United States imports nearly 80% of the rare earth elements it uses in the production of critical electronics. That has made securing mining rights and import agreements a hot political topic. NBC News' Zinhle Essamuah explains exactly what rare earth elements are and why they are so important.

Geopolitics has been a key risk factor in economic and financial trends this year, including companies engaged in mining and processing of rare earth elements.

Two Australian companies bought dozens of mining rights and expect to invest big, but environmental threats concern local communities.

Donald Trump’s tariff war alienated longtime allies and gave China an opportunity to woo the world. Now Beijing’s hardball tactics are sparking a global pushback.