U.S. Military's Push for Biotechnology to Secure Critical Mineral Independence

During a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on "Rebuilding American Critical Minerals Supply Chains," Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, highlighted the United States' significant reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals. The U.S. is over 90% dependent on imports for approximately 25 critical minerals and more than 50% reliant on foreign sources for over 50 others. Notably, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology reported that the U.S. is almost entirely dependent on China for over half of its annual consumption of 31 out of 35 critical minerals. This dependency poses risks, as evidenced by China's previous restrictions on exports of gallium and germanium, which jeopardized U.S. semiconductor production.

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In response to these vulnerabilities, both Congress and the Department of War have recognized the urgent need to enhance the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals. The fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes 17 provisions aimed at increasing access to emerging biotechnology within defense and intelligence sectors. This legislation emphasizes the establishment of a new War Department Biotechnology Management Office and a comprehensive strategy to leverage biotechnology advancements to support military operations.

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Cadenazzi's testimony underscored several innovative biotechnology applications that could benefit the U.S. military. These include synthetic blood products that do not require refrigeration, bio-cement for rapid runway construction, and heat-resistant materials for advanced weapon systems, such as hypersonic missiles. The War Department is also focusing on biomanufacturing to ensure that these products can be produced domestically, reducing the need for offshore manufacturing.

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The NDAA stresses the importance of collaboration with NATO allies, many of whom are pursuing similar advancements in biotechnology. NATO's Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic has initiated programs to support human resilience and biotechnologies. The U.S. is also enhancing intelligence gathering regarding China's biotechnology initiatives, as President Xi Jinping has prioritized China's leadership in this field.

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The War Department is moving swiftly to implement its Congressional mandate, with the Under Secretary for Research and Development and the Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment working together to develop a comprehensive plan to maintain U.S. leadership in biotechnology. Initiatives such as DARPA’s EMBER program aim to develop biotechnology-based strategies for extracting rare earth elements from domestic sources. Additionally, the War Department plans to conduct "technology sprints" to field biotechnology products within 24 months.

The Hill

The U.S. military's focus on biotechnology represents a critical step toward securing independence from foreign mineral sources, particularly China. As the War Department and Congress collaborate on these initiatives, the implications for national security and military readiness are significant, marking a proactive approach to addressing vulnerabilities in the supply chain for critical minerals.

The Hill