An Australian company has acquired and staked claims on 20,520 acres just outside Joshua Tree National Park and announced plans to explore the land for rare earth minerals. It’s also steps from Joshua Tree National Park, one of the nation’s most beloved desert getaways where about 3 million people visit annually. Mountain Pass primarily produces light rare earth elements, which are typically more abundant. “Our entire war machinery — missiles, radar, fighter jets — all need these heavy rare earths,” O’Connor said. Conservationists also point to Dateline’s history operating the Colosseum Mine as a source of concern, saying the company flouted National Park Service rules and damaged the surrounding landscape.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 30, 2026 14:32 UTC