Trump uses emergency powers to boost mineral production

U.S. President Donald Trump has invoked emergency powers to expand domestic production of critical minerals, aiming to reduce the United States' reliance on imports from countries like China. This move comes at a time of escalating trade tensions with China, which possesses overwhelming control over the supply chain for certain critical minerals, thus impacting American industries.

The executive order utilizes Cold War-era legislation, directing government agencies, including the Department of Defense, to prioritize mining projects and provide technical and financial support to increase the output of critical minerals. Last year, Beijing banned the sale of certain critical minerals to the U.S., forcing American companies to seek alternative sources for these essential materials, highlighting the strategic importance of diversifying supply chains.

The executive order states, "Our national and economic security is now seriously threatened by our dependence on mineral production from hostile foreign adversaries. For our national security, the United States must take immediate action to facilitate domestic mineral production as much as possible." The order also calls for expediting the permitting process for mining and processing projects and directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to prioritize mineral production on federal lands, streamlining the development of domestic resources.

Although the United States possesses reserves of some critical minerals, its supply remains heavily dependent on other countries. Trump's imposition of tariffs on a range of imported goods has triggered trade tensions with major suppliers like China and Canada, emphasizing the need for a resilient domestic supply. Critical minerals are essential for the production of key technologies ranging from batteries to advanced weapons systems, underscoring their importance to both economic and national security.

Trump is also eager to gain access to critical minerals in Ukraine. He stated on Thursday that an agreement will be signed "very soon." "We are also signing agreements all over the place to unlock rare earths and minerals all over the world, especially in Ukraine." In addition to Ukraine, the United States is also negotiating potential deals with the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding its mineral resources. President Trump has also spoken of acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory rich in rare earth resources, further illustrating the administration's focus on securing access to critical minerals.