This opinion piece is part of Access Partnership’s ‘A Digital Manifesto’ initiative, which recommends a framework to develop US global leadership on digital policy for the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
From Executive Orders to Bipartisan Legislation: An Evolving Landscape
Critical minerals – ranging from lithium and rare earth elements to cobalt and gallium – are the foundation of modern industry. Their role in electric vehicle batteries, military-grade alloys, semiconductors, and renewable energy technologies makes them indispensable. However, the United States remains heavily reliant on foreign imports, often from geopolitically sensitive regions.
This challenge has evolved through multiple administrations. President Trump’s first term (2016–2020) set the stage for critical minerals security with Executive Order 13817, which identified 35 minerals as essential to national interests. The Biden administration built on this foundation with major legislative actions, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021) and Inflation Reduction Act (2022), unlocking billions in federal funding to support domestic mining, processing, and recycling initiatives. However, despite these efforts, US industry remains highly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions—particularly due to China’s dominance in refining, which accounts for 70–80% of global rare earth element processing, per Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates.
Now, in his second term, President Trump has taken decisive action to address these vulnerabilities. On 20 January, he issued Executive Order 14156, ‘Declaring a National Energy Emergency,’ citing critical mineral shortages as a direct threat to US economic and national security. Simultaneously, Executive Order 14154, ‘Unleashing American Energy’, aims to eliminate regulatory bottlenecks and fast-track the permitting, leasing, and production of domestic resources. These executive actions signal a renewed commitment to achieving energy independence and resource sovereignty while ensuring that critical materials are available for manufacturing, defence, and infrastructure.
To oversee these efforts, the administration has established the National Energy Dominance Council, chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. This council is tasked with implementing streamlined permitting processes, coordinating with industry leaders, and accelerating domestic production of critical minerals.
In parallel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it clear that his State Department is focused on advancing American prosperity through strategic deal-making, creating new opportunities for agreements on critical minerals. His ‘prosperity-first’ foreign policy prioritises securing resource partnerships that enhance US economic strength and industrial competitiveness. These international collaborations aim to diversify supply chains and reduce dependency on adversarial nations like China.
With these executive orders, expanded federal investments, and a strategic global engagement plan, the US is taking aggressive steps to safeguard its critical mineral future. Below, we outline three key actions that policymakers and private industry must take to build a resilient, mine-to-manufacturing ecosystem that strengthens national security and economic competitiveness.
1. Collaborate with Industry to Build a Resilient Supply Chain Strategy
A resilient critical minerals supply chain requires a structured approach that moves beyond short-term fixes. From exploration and mining to refining and manufacturing, every stage must be mapped, coordinated, and incentivised to support long-term stability.
Pinpoint and Resolve Immediate Bottlenecks
- Leverage Advanced Mapping Initiatives
The US Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) uses geospatial technology to identify domestic mineral deposits. Government agencies and industry must work together to fast-track the development of the most promising sites. - Streamline Permitting and Regulatory Approvals
A 2024 report by S&P Global indicates that developing a new mine in the United States – from discovery to production – takes an average of 29 years, the second-longest duration globally, surpassed only by Zambia. These extended timelines are primarily due to complex permitting and environmental review processes. Reforming these procedures – not by compromising environmental standards, but by modernising and streamlining regulations – could significantly reduce barriers to domestic investment and enhance the nation’s critical mineral supply chain resilience.
Institutionalise Industry Forums and Public-Private Councils
- Real-Time Feedback for Policymakers
Ongoing industry engagement will ensure that challenges – ranging from labour shortages to supply chain inefficiencies – are addressed proactively. - Regulatory Agility
Regular forums between government and industry (e.g., quarterly summits) will allow faster adaptation to market conditions, commodity price fluctuations, and geopolitical shifts.
Plan for Long-Term Adaptability
- Incentivise Key Investments
Expanding the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office guarantees and tax credits will encourage private sector growth in mining and midstream refining. - Strengthen Strategic Stockpiles
The National Defence Stockpile should be expanded to include a broader range of critical minerals to ensure defence and manufacturing resilience. - Periodic Supply Chain Reviews
Similar to Biden’s regular reassessments will keep policies aligned with evolving industry needs.
2. Invest in Domestic Processing Capabilities
While the US has robust downstream manufacturing, midstream refining remains a major weak point.
Revive and Expand Domestic Refining
- Rebuild Critical Infrastructure
The Mountain Pass mine in California, once a global leader in rare earth production, is being revitalised with Department of Defence funding. Expanding such efforts will ensure more materials are processed domestically. - Reduce Midstream Capital Costs
Extending low-interest loans and refining tax incentives – such as expanding DOE’s Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program – will make midstream investment more viable.
Drive Sustainable R&D and Recycling Initiatives
- Enhance Public-Private Research
The Critical Materials Institute and national labs should continue developing cost-effective refining techniques and material recycling programs. - Improve ESG Standards
Integrating best practices from the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) will reduce environmental impacts while ensuring long-term sustainability.
3. Deepen and Diversify Global Partnerships
Given the limited geological availability of certain minerals within US borders, total autarky is neither realistic nor cost-effective. Collaborative alliances can augment domestic production and mitigate geopolitical risks.
Leverage Existing Frameworks
- Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)
Launched in 2022, the MSP unites countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan under a plurilateral agreement to promote responsible mining, coordinate project financing, and jointly tackle supply chain vulnerabilities. US companies can benefit from streamlined regulatory approvals and combined market power in allied nations.
Pursue Emerging ‘Wildcard’ Opportunities
- Greenland
Known for its rare earth elements and strategic metals, Greenland has actively encouraged foreign direct investment in mining. With Secretary Rubio’s focus on new bilateral deals, opportunities to secure long-term supply agreements or co-develop projects could prove lucrative for US companies seeking less-crowded markets. - Ukraine
Despite ongoing challenges, Ukraine boasts significant lithium and titanium deposits. Potential resource-for-investment arrangements, especially in post-conflict reconstruction scenarios, could yield mutually beneficial outcomes for US firms and Ukrainian partners. - Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Home to about 70% of the world’s cobalt supply, the DRC remains pivotal to lithium-ion battery production. While fraught with governance and security issues, targeted investments in sustainable mining operations—backed by transparent, reputable firms—can reinforce global cobalt supplies while promoting local economic development.
Coordinate Sustainability and R&D
- Joint Ventures and Technology Transfer
Cross-border alliances can pool expertise and financing to accelerate the development of low-impact extraction methods, advanced recycling, and new refining technologies. Such collaboration not only scales production but also shares the costs and risks of pioneering new processes. - Elevating ESG Standards
Engaging with allied governments through frameworks like the Energy Resource Governance Initiative, companies can embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) best practices globally – protecting brand reputation and meeting rising consumer expectations for ethically sourced products.
The Way Forward
With strong federal policies, targeted investments, and strategic international partnerships, the US can secure a reliable, sustainable, and competitive critical minerals supply chain.
At Access Partnership, we help industry leaders navigate this evolving landscape, ensuring they capitalise on funding, regulatory shifts, and global market opportunities. By aligning immediate goals with a long-term vision, the US can reinforce its strategic position in defence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing – sectors that hinge on ready access to critical minerals.
For more insights, reach out to Access Partnership.
