U.S. President Donald Trump has invoked wartime powers to increase domestic mineral production and processing, citing foreign dependence as a serious threat to national security.
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order directing the use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other measures to maximize domestic mineral output.
During a press conference, Trump stated that this order would significantly increase the production of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
Earlier in January, he had declared a national emergency, emphasizing the risks associated with relying on foreign sources for energy security and mineral supply.
The executive order highlights that the U.S. was once a leading producer of valuable minerals, but strict regulations have hindered domestic production. As a result, reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly adversarial nations, now poses a direct threat to both national and economic security.
Although the order does not explicitly mention any country, China dominates the global supply chain for mineral processing and refinement.
Trump also referenced U.S. efforts to secure mineral resources abroad, including proposals to utilize Ukraine’s mineral reserves and ongoing negotiations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, he reiterated U.S. interest in Greenland’s mineral wealth.
The new order instructs federal agencies to streamline approvals for mining projects, prioritize resource exploration on public lands, and enhance financial support for domestic mineral production.