China rare earth monopoly weaponized; critical mineral supply chain risks for EV motors and heavy industry

China controls 12 of 17 rare earths, enforcement penalties up 140% in 2025. Export controls already forced automaker halts. Procurement roles shift to geopolitical risk management. This threatens EV motor magnet supply and defense supply chains. Critical mineral supply chain for AI chips (copper, gallium, rare earths, lithium, high-purity quartz, antimony) reinforces upstream risks for auto and heavy industry. Europe critical raw materials strategy adds policy dimension.