Mining Company Plans to Drill Within 100 Feet of Joshua Tree National Park

April 8, 2026

Joshua Tree National Park attracts millions of visitors each year, and its striking desert landscape is home to many rare species. And the park may soon have a new neighbor: a rare earth mine. Last month, the Australian company Dateline Resources began exploring land next to the park for a potential mine for these valuable materials, and the plan is sparking backlash.

On Feb. 27, 2026, DTR announced its Music Valley project. In an email to GearJunkie, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) confirmed that DTR had filed 969 claims totaling 19,380 acres.

According to a press release, the company explained that past U.S. Geological Surveys indicated that there were concentrations of heavy rare earth elements (HREE) in this area. These 17 elements are critical in manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defense technologies.

These so-called “rare” elements are actually widespread, but China has long dominated the market. The Trump Administration has viewed this as a national security risk and sought to develop the American supply of these important materials. GEARJUNKIE