President Trump’s executive order to increase domestic critical mineral production has been interpreted as a pro-industry move or a nod to traditional energy sectors. It is both — but more importantly, it is a long overdue national security play.
In the modern geopolitical chess game, America’s mineral vulnerability is not just an economic liability but a strategic one.
The order activates the Defense Production Act to boost domestic mining and processing of minerals like lithium, rare earths, nickel, cobalt, copper and uranium. These resources are critical to electrification, power generation, advanced consumer technology and modern defense systems. The directive also calls for federal agencies to expedite mining permits, prioritize mineral-rich federal lands and coordinate efforts under a new “National Energy Dominance Council.”
This is a sweeping move, but also a necessary one.
In an era of increasing global competition, critical minerals are the silent power source behind energy security, economic security and military strength. And the U.S. is alarmingly dependent on foreign sources — particularly China — for their supply.
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