President Trump invoked war powers on March 20 through a sweeping executive order targeting domestic minerals. The Defense Production Act now aims to accelerate mining for uranium, copper, and other critical resources on federal lands. Federal agencies must fast-track permits and identify mineral-rich areas. Trump declared a “national energy emergency,” citing China dependence concerns. Both parties actually agree on the need – Biden did similar stuff in 2022. The mining push touches everything from EVs to national security.
President Donald Trump flexed his executive muscle Wednesday, invoking war powers to command American soil to cough up its mineral riches. The March 20 executive order activates the Defense Production Act to boost mining of essential minerals like uranium, copper, potash, and gold. Even coal might make the cut. America’s dirt has been slacking, apparently.
The move comes amid what Trump declared a “national energy emergency” way back on Inauguration Day. His administration is on a mission to kick America’s addiction to foreign minerals, especially those flowing from China. Currently, the U.S. depends on imports for at least 15 essential minerals, with China supplying a whopping 70% of rare earth elements. Not ideal.
Federal agencies are now scrambling to identify mineral-rich federal lands and fast-track permits for mining operations. The Interior Secretary got homework too – create a list of federal lands with known deposits and prioritize digging them up. Bureaucracy be damned.
It’s not just about making shiny gadgets. The Pentagon has skin in this game, with the Department of Defense helping finance new mining projects. This aligns with the critical need for cleaner alternatives in electricity generation that could reduce the power sector’s 25% contribution to U.S. greenhouse gases. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is also opening its wallet. National security, they say. The National Mining Association called it a “national security imperative.” Who knew rocks could be so patriotic?
Meanwhile, international drama unfolds. Trump’s plan to partner with the Democratic Republic of Congo would secure access to the world’s largest cobalt reserves for electric vehicle production. Trump plans to ink a deal with Ukraine on rare earth minerals, though it wasn’t ready for Zelensky’s White House photo op. China’s throwing tantrums too, announcing export controls on five essential metals in February. Global mineral markets are getting tense.
Surprisingly, both parties actually agree on something – America needs more homegrown minerals. Biden approved similar projects and even invoked the same Defense Production Act in 2022. A House committee recommended creating an essential mineral reserve. The initiative continues the historical precedent set by former President Harry Truman who first used the Act for steel production. Trump previously used these powers for mask production in 2020. Different crisis, same playbook.
America’s mineral independence quest is officially on. Dig, baby, dig.
