EPA & NRC misclassified Thorium as a source material, though it needs to be transmuted in a reactor.
Thorium has less radioactivity than the natural occurring radioactive potassium-40 in a banana.
Rare Earth Elements are found with Thorium and Uranium, this is what shut down US REE processing and alloy production, resulting from 1980s regulatory changes.
The US Mining Industry disposes of enough rare earths every year, with new regulations overturning the 1980 regulatory costs and liabilities, can meet over 80% of global demand.
Promoting Rare Earth Mining outside of China only advances China’s monopoly.
All advanced rare earth dependent technologies; the metals, alloys, and magnets are produced in China.
China strategically uses this monopoly to force Western supply chains and manufactures to partner with Chinese partners who copy the technology.
China controls over 80% of all critical materials used in EV production, at the point of application. (fully refined, metals, alloys, and magnets)
China will withhold REE products during conflicts with the Western Powers
Resolving the Thorium regulatory issue will assure domestic rare earth production – making the the US a world exporter of Rare Earths.