The US Must Source Critical Minerals From Non-Conflict Zones to Expand Missile Stockpiles

The Oregon Group analyst Anthony Milewski notes that in 16 days of the Iran war, coalition forces consumed over 11,000 munitions. Replenishing small arms ammunition alone requires about 4,000 kg of tungsten, yet the US produced no tungsten domestically in 2025, while China accounts for 79% of global tungsten mine output. The US is 100% import-dependent for 12 critical minerals, and imports over half of another 34 minerals, leaving Western defense supply chains heavily reliant on Chinese critical minerals.