EPISODE · Feb 27, 2026 · 47 MIN
95% of It Goes Through China — And We Can't Do Anything About It
from The Disruption Lab · host Kevin McGinnis
The U.S. offshored its critical minerals processing decades ago. Now 95% of the world's nickel runs through China — regardless of where it comes out of the ground. Jamie Andes and William Highsmith from Critical Materials Crossroads break down what that dependency actually means, why Kansas City has the infrastructure and history to lead the reshoring effort, and what a $160 million NSF Engines grant could catalyze for a region sitting on $3-4 billion in economic potential. This is supply chain as national security — and the clock is running.
What this episode covers
The U.S. offshored its critical minerals processing decades ago. Now 95% of the world's nickel runs through China — regardless of where it comes out of the ground. Jamie Andes and William Highsmith from Critical Materials Crossroads break down what that dependency actually means, why Kansas City has the infrastructure and history to lead the reshoring effort, and what a $160 million NSF Engines grant could catalyze for a region sitting on $3-4 billion in economic potential. This is supply chain as national security — and the clock is running.
NOW PLAYING
95% of It Goes Through China — And We Can't Do Anything About It
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m