US President aims to reduce reliance on foreign imports by prioritising critical minerals amid escalating trade tensions.
In a move to bolster US mineral production and decrease dependence on foreign supplies, President Donald Trump has invoked emergency powers to accelerate the mining of critical minerals within the United States. The executive order, issued through Cold War-era legislation, directs various government agencies, including the Department of Defence, to prioritise mining projects and offer both technical and financial support to enhance domestic production.
This executive order comes amid growing concerns over the US’s reliance on countries such as China, which controls a significant portion of the supply chain for essential minerals. With the ongoing trade war, China imposed a ban on the sale of certain critical minerals to the US last year, pushing American companies to seek alternative sources.
The order stresses that the United States’ national and economic security is at risk due to reliance on “hostile foreign powers” for these vital materials, urging immediate steps to maximise domestic production. Key provisions in the order include expedited permits for mining and processing projects and a push for the US Department of the Interior to focus on mineral extraction on federal land.
While the US does possess some deposits of critical minerals, it remains highly reliant on imports. Trump’s tariffs and trade disputes with major suppliers like China and Canada have exacerbated these vulnerabilities.
Critical minerals are crucial for various technologies, including batteries and advanced weapon systems. Trump has also expressed interest in securing access to Ukraine’s vast mineral reserves, with a deal expected to be finalised soon. Additionally, the US is in talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding its mineral resources, and Trump has mentioned the potential acquisition of Greenland, which is rich in rare earth elements.
