We ended up in a Colombian mine controlled by a drug cartel.

As prices for the precious metal soar, the industry’s guardrails have broken down.

Three reporters followed supply chains to reveal that the U.S. Mint buys gold that comes from foreign pawn shops and drug dealers, then claims it is from the United States.

Seeking to reduce its reliance on China, the United States is pushing for a critical minerals deal with Brazil. The South American country is less eager.

The country has prioritized self-sufficiency in producing a crucial battlefield weapon, though weaning itself fully off cheaper Chinese components is difficult.