Newly released emails from the Epstein files indicate that, beyond his widely known political and financial connections, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was regularly briefed on strategic minerals and global resource geopolitics.
According to information compiled by Anadolu, the files disclosed on Jan. 30 show Epstein periodically received detailed briefings focused on global supply competition over rare earth elements.
Investment presentations in the files resemble geopolitical risk analyses rather than conventional mining reports. The core theme centers on China's dominance in the rare earth market and efforts to establish alternative supply hubs.
Materials sent to Epstein describe rare earth elements as critical inputs for energy and high-technology industries. The documents emphasize the strategic importance of the 17-element group used in hybrid vehicles and low-carbon technologies.
Presentations state that China produces about 95% of the global rare earth supply and that export restrictions pushed prices higher, with rare earth oxide prices reaching $203,600 per ton.
One slide summarizes the geopolitical framework with the phrase: "The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths."
The files also note Japan's dependence on China for 96% of its rare earth imports and its search for cooperation in Mongolia to diversify supply.
Mongolia is presented as a potential alternative source and described as an "alpha to China's beta"
The country's natural resources are said to have "only begun to be exploited" and to offer "exceptional opportunities for global asset diversification into minerals."
- Proposal for a rare earth fund
The documents portray rare earths as central to energy transition and advanced manufacturing, warning that China's production cuts and pressure for domestic processing create global supply chain risk.
The overarching message in the briefings is that early investment in new sources would provide a strategic advantage.
In a 2011 email, a redacted name contacted Epstein about a proposed rare earth and precious metals investment structure.
"I wanted to pass along information about a rare earth and precious metals fund that may be of interest to you. The main reason that I am passing it along is that I think that it might be interesting for you to meet Francois Rouge, who is a principal in this consortium."
The email continues by explaining that Francois is "a very smart money manager who ran his own Swiss bank for many years."
"He has a very entrepreneurial spirit with many good ideas and he is also very well connected in Switzerland and in France. He is also my ex-husband. When I heard that you were in Paris, my first thought was to introduce the two of you. Attached please find a business plan for an opportunity that he is developing. Although Francois lives in Geneva, he is often in Paris, as he will be this week. Please let me know if you would be interested in meeting with him this week. If so, I can put you in touch with him directly."
- Messages with Steve Bannon
An Aug. 30, 2018 iMessage exchange between Epstein and former Trump adviser Steve Bannon also addresses China and strategic minerals.
Epstein wrote: "Spoke to my china guys , they said china stronger , plays weakened. Strife art of war etc. Said all the players are Xi loyalists. Main complaint is there is no counterparty in US , either no one home or new to the game."
Bannon replied: "They said china stronger today than when we started?"
Epstein responded: "Need to define 'started.' North Korea? Stronger ties. Africa, stronger, buying strategic minerals. One belt one road. Ports logistics. Eventually turning them military… tariffs a non event."
In the same conversation Epstein added: "By the way Argentina next to implode", "Venezuela. More oil reserves than Saudi Arabia."
The correspondence indicates Epstein was not only evaluating financial investments but was also regularly informed about global power competition shaped by critical raw materials.
The briefings frame rare earth elements as becoming as strategically important as oil for energy transition and advanced technology production.
In another exchange, Boris Nikolic - a former adviser to Bill Gates - told Epstein that a friend was planning a major rare earth mining investment in Türkiye.
"A friend of mine is planning a major investment is a rare elements mining in Turkey. China is placing a major control re supply as there are biggest producer. The value of alternative sources will go greatly up. I know that this is not your thing but still keeping you in the loop," Nikolic wrote.
By Murat Temizer
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr