That posting was not intended to imply that the US is not in need of seeking independence in access to REE.  That is an effort that is backed by congress, and it is likely to continue. 

BTW, oil drilling rigs and oil drilling contractors are not the same as those people and equipment who do drilling for minerals in hard rock.  They are two different kinds of undertakings.

Apropos of drilling, here's an interesting story.  The guy made a fortune from having added diamonds to drill bites that he made and sold.  They were use first for gas and oil, and soon thereafter in mining.

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-philanthropist-ron-carey-killed-in-u-k-highway-collision