Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

U.S. Launches $12 Billion Project Vault for Critical Minerals

2/19/2026

46 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. government intensifies efforts to secure critical minerals amid China's dominance, launching Project Vault to build a strategic stockpile of copper and cobalt.
Project Vault is a $12 billion initiative backed by public-private partnerships and the Export-Import Bank.
The United States is forging alliances with Uzbekistan and South American nations to diversify supply sources, with research noting lower political risk in South America.

History

Historical Context

In response to the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo, President Nixon launched Project Independence, aiming for U.S. energy self-sufficiency by 1980 through significant investments in domestic energy sources. Today, Project Vault, a $12 billion initiative, seeks to reduce reliance on foreign minerals like copper and cobalt, reflecting ongoing efforts to secure resource independence amid global supply chain vulnerabilities.

1 of 2

Story summary

The U.S. government intensifies efforts to secure critical minerals amid China's dominance, launching Project Vault to build a strategic stockpile of copper and cobalt.
Project Vault is a $12 billion initiative backed by public-private partnerships and the Export-Import Bank.
The United States is forging alliances with Uzbekistan and South American nations to diversify supply sources, with research noting lower political risk in South America.

1 / 2