The route to challenging China’s supremacy in rare earth minerals lies in using artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing to create synthetic substitutes or alloys, according to a prominent American expert in AI.
Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ, an AI and quantum technology Alphabet spin-off, said these technologies could cut the time required to secure critical materials to just a few years. This could bypass the traditional 10 to 20 years needed to bring a new mine online while also mitigating the geopolitical risks associated with concentrated supply chains. However, some analysts argue that China’s entrenched dominance in the sector will be difficult to dislodge. They cite the immense challenge of transitioning from laboratory breakthroughs in rare earth chemistry to the kind of large-scale industrial processing and manufacturing that Beijing has perfected over decades.

Full opinion : AI and quantum computing could help the United States cut time required to secure critical materials to just a few years.