Pennsylvania’s Rare Earth & Critical Minerals Story
Nov 17, 2025
Pennsylvania’s Rare Earth & Critical Minerals Story: Securing the Future of Clean Energy
November 17, 2025
The global transition to clean energy and advanced technologies depends on a small group of elements—rare earths. These minerals are the backbone of electric vehicles, wind turbines, semiconductors, medical devices, and defense systems. Yet today, the U.S. imports more than 80% of its supply, creating a critical vulnerability in the race for energy independence and technological leadership. Pennsylvania is stepping up to change that.
From Industrial Heritage to Innovation Leadership
Once known for coal and steel, Pennsylvania is now transforming its legacy into a future-focused strategy for critical minerals and advanced materials. At the heart of this effort is Penn State’s Center for Critical Minerals, pioneering technologies to recover rare earth elements from coal waste and industrial byproducts—turning environmental challenges into strategic assets.
St. Marys: A Global Hub for Advanced Materials
In the North Central region, the town of St. Marys is a powerhouse of powder metallurgy, a technology essential for producing rare earth magnets that drive EV motors, wind turbines, and high-performance electronics. Companies like Gasbarre Products Inc. are expanding advanced manufacturing capabilities, enabling precision tooling and thermal processing systems for next-generation components.
This cluster positions Pennsylvania as a critical link in the global supply chain for clean energy and high-tech manufacturing—and a prime destination for European innovators in EV components, green energy systems, and advanced materials.
Why This Matters
Demand for rare earths is projected to triple by 2035, driven by electrification and digitalization.
Pennsylvania offers research leadership, industrial expertise, and government-backed incentives to build a secure, sustainable supply chain.
For Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Flemish companies, this is an opportunity to co-innovate in critical materials and clean energy technologies—in a region that’s shaping the future of global manufacturing.
