The Department of Defense (DoD) has announced the establishment of the Strategic and Critical Materials Board of Directors. This move is in accordance with the Stock Piling Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The newly formed Board will function as a non-discretionary Federal Advisory Committee, providing guidance to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. Its main focus will be on developing strategies to secure supply chains for strategic and critical materials while also strengthening the National Defense Stockpile (NDS).

Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing industrial base challenges. "The National Defense Industrial Strategy highlights the critical importance of working together with stakeholders to identify innovative solutions for complex industrial base challenges," she stated. She further added, "This Board will convene leading experts across industry and the federal government to inform the Department's efforts to ensure secure and resilient access to the materials and minerals that underpin key defense capabilities."

The Board will be chaired by Dr. Taylor-Kale herself, with members from various departments including DoD, Department of Energy, Department of State, Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior, along with representatives from the Armed Services Committees of both House and Senate. The DoD plans to appoint members soon and expects to hold its first meeting in 2025.