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Trump's Push to Diversify Critical Minerals Supply Chain

11/19/2025

Center

Trump Diversifies Minerals

U.S. President Donald Trump is pursuing strategies to diversify the U.S. critical minerals supply chain, currently dominated by China.
Initiatives include executive orders to boost extraction from federal lands and the $1.8 billion Orion Critical Mineral Consortium.
The administration has agreements with Australia and Japan to bolster mining projects.
Experts warn that higher operating costs outside China require government support.
Long lead times may leave dependence on China for years.

Left

Bessent Promotes Self-Reliance

Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, showcased the first rare-earth magnet produced in the United States in 25 years to cut reliance on China.
The South Carolina facility, eVAC, is pivotal.
Experts caution self-reliance will take time due to China's dominance in rare-earth processing.
In 2024, the United States imported 80% of its rare earths, while the Pentagon invested in the Mountain Pass mine to boost domestic production.

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Trump Diversifies Minerals

U.S. President Donald Trump is pursuing strategies to diversify the U.S. critical minerals supply chain, currently dominated by China.
Initiatives include executive orders to boost extraction from federal lands and the $1.8 billion Orion Critical Mineral Consortium.
The administration has agreements with Australia and Japan to bolster mining projects.
Experts warn that higher operating costs outside China require government support.
Long lead times may leave dependence on China for years.

1 / 2