MenuThe Trump Administration used the Defense Production Act as the basis for an executive order issued March 20, 2025 to sharply increase U.S. critical minerals production. Government agencies were given their marching orders, including directives to:
- Screen applications for critical mineral mining and refining projects, looking for those that can be given immediate approval and expedited follow-up.
- Solicit feedback from the industry to define any bottlenecks, then create strategies to expedite mining and refinement projects.
- Review federal land usage to prioritize the leasing of lands that may be viable for critical minerals production.
- Provide loans to businesses qualified to invest in approved projects.
This executive order came on the heels of the creation of the National Energy Dominance Council, chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Bergum, in mid-February. The Trump team appears to be in a big hurry. The pressure is on. There are good reasons for this, and the key driver may be China.
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