60 Minutes Reports on “Elemental Crisis”, “Turning the Ship Around” & “The Dog Aging Project” on March 22 2026

A new edition of 60 Minutes airs Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET/PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. This week’s broadcast presents three wide-ranging reports that examine global competition, industrial strategy, and scientific research with real-world impact. From rare earth minerals in the American desert to international shipbuilding efforts and groundbreaking aging studies involving dogs, the episode brings together stories that connect policy, innovation, and everyday life.

• 60 Minutes Reports on “Elemental Crisis”, “Turning the Ship Around” & “The Dog Aging Project” on March 22 2026
• Elemental Crisis: 60 Minutes Investigates America’s Rare Earth Race
• Turning the Ship Around: 60 Minutes Investigates America’s Shipbuilding Decline
• The Dog Aging Project: 60 Minutes Reports on a 50,000-Dog Study

Elemental Crisis

The program opens with a report from correspondent Jon Wertheim, who travels to the Mojave Desert near the California-Nevada border to examine the only active rare earth mine in the United States. These minerals are essential to modern technology, forming the backbone of products such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and advanced defense systems. Despite their importance, the global supply chain remains heavily dominated by China, which currently holds a near-monopoly over production and processing.

Wertheim’s report focuses on how the United States is attempting to rebuild its domestic capabilities in response to rising geopolitical tensions. The mine, operated by a private company with partial federal government ownership, represents a strategic effort to secure supply chains. The segment explores the challenges of scaling mining, refining, and magnet production while competing with established global infrastructure. It also highlights the broader implications for national security and technological independence.

Turning the Ship Around

Lesley Stahl reports on the decline of American shipbuilding and the renewed push to revive the industry. Once a cornerstone of industrial strength, U.S. ship production has fallen sharply over the decades. Today, the country produces only a handful of large cargo ships each year, a stark contrast to China’s output, which reaches into the hundreds annually.

The segment examines new efforts to rebuild capacity through international collaboration. South Korean company Hanwha is playing a central role by investing in and revitalizing the Philadelphia shipyard. Stahl reports from both South Korea and the United States, offering a close look at how expertise, technology, and investment are being transferred. The story places this initiative within the context of national security concerns and economic strategy, as policymakers seek to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign production.

The Dog Aging Project

Anderson Cooper introduces viewers to an ambitious scientific initiative known as the Dog Aging Project. The study, which includes data from more than 50,000 dogs across the United States, aims to better understand the biology of aging. Researchers have found that dogs share many similarities with humans, including comparable brain structures and susceptibility to diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

The report explores how studying canine aging could unlock new insights into human health. Scientists involved in the project are investigating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence longevity. By tracking large numbers of dogs over time, researchers hope to identify patterns that could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies. The segment also reflects on the close bond between humans and their pets, underscoring how advances in this field could benefit both species.

This week’s 60 Minutes brings together global issues and personal stories, offering a detailed look at challenges and innovations shaping the present and future.