The United States has issued a new executive order aimed at increasing domestic mineral production. This initiative, announced by President Donald J. Trump, seeks to reduce reliance on foreign nations for minerals critical to various sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, and defense.
The order defines "mineral" broadly to include critical minerals like uranium, copper, potash, and gold. It outlines steps for identifying priority projects that can be expedited through the permitting process. The Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) will coordinate with relevant agencies to identify these projects and expedite their approval.
Federal lands known to hold mineral deposits are also targeted for development under this order. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with prioritizing these areas for mineral production while ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
The order also involves several federal departments including Defense, Agriculture, and Energy in identifying suitable sites on federal land for commercial mineral production enterprises. The Department of Defense is given authority under the Defense Production Act to facilitate strategic resource production necessary for national security.
To further support this initiative, the Export-Import Bank and Small Business Administration are directed to develop financing tools and legislative recommendations respectively. These efforts aim to enhance private-public capital activities supporting small businesses engaged in mineral production.
President Trump emphasized that the order should not interfere with existing legal authorities or budgetary functions but aims to bolster national security by strengthening domestic mineral supply chains.
