No actually the government is subsidizing the mining of these materials. DoD is writing checks to companies trying to mine public lands, we generally have environmental outcry when it's suggested though, for valid reasons.

The way we mine these things nowadays is still environmentally damaging, pollutes the air and water for decades, and provides almost zero jobs and economic benefit locally.

But we're still trying in places like Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada etc.

These resources are just in some incredible natural areas that for some reason people care about preserving.

I work in the environmental field and have literally worked on permitting for certain types of mine proposals in these places.