U.S. President Donald Trump is set to convene executives from major mining companies at the State Department as his administration intensifies efforts to strengthen domestic and allied supplies of critical minerals considered essential to national security and industrial production.
The meeting is expected to bring together about 200 participants, including executives from Resolution Copper, MP Materials and Century Aluminum, alongside senior government officials such as Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The administration is seeking to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese supply chains for strategically important minerals, including rare earth elements, tungsten and germanium, which are used in advanced military and industrial technologies.
The push has taken on added urgency as the U.S. seeks to replenish weapons stockpiles reportedly depleted during the conflict with Iran. Officials also view greater control over critical mineral supplies as an important part of countering China’s dominant position in global mineral production and processing.
Another challenge facing the sector is a shortage of skilled workers. To address the problem, the Department of Energy is expected to host representatives from U.S. mining schools and announce $180 million in grants aimed at expanding educational programmes and encouraging more students to pursue careers in mining.
The Trump administration has previously taken steps to strengthen the country’s strategic mineral security, including establishing a $12 billion strategic minerals stockpile and supporting investments in domestic mining and processing facilities.
The administration has also sought to reduce defence contractors’ reliance on Chinese sources for critical minerals, reflecting broader efforts to build more resilient supply chains for materials considered vital to U.S. defence, technology and industrial production…..see more