Trump signs executive order to ramp up U.S. critical mineral production, secure global supply chains
By isabelle // 2025-03-22
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  • President Trump signed an executive order to boost domestic production of critical minerals like uranium and rare earths, aiming to enhance U.S. energy independence.
  • The order fast-tracks mining projects, streamlines permitting, and prioritizes federal lands for mineral production to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
  • A pending deal with Ukraine grants the U.S. access to $500 billion worth of rare earth deposits in exchange for military support.
  • The order explores innovative solutions, such as extracting rare earth elements from coal ash, potentially unlocking $8.4 billion in resources.
  • The initiative seeks to strengthen national security, create jobs, and position the U.S. as a global leader in critical mineral production and energy independence.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20 aimed at dramatically increasing domestic production of critical minerals, including uranium, copper, and rare earth elements, in a bold move to bolster America’s energy independence. The order, part of Trump’s “America First” energy dominance agenda, seeks to fast-track mining projects, streamline federal permitting, and secure global supply chains for minerals essential to modern technologies ranging from smartphones to wind turbines. The executive order directs federal agencies to identify and prioritize mineral production projects, expedite permitting processes, and provide financial incentives to spur domestic mining. It also paves the way for international agreements, including a pending deal with Ukraine to access its $500 billion worth of rare earth mineral deposits. “It’s a big thing in this country,” Trump said during a signing ceremony at the White House. “We’re also signing agreements in various locations to unlock rare earths and minerals and lots of other things all over the world.”

Reducing dependence on foreign powers

The United States has long relied on imports of critical minerals, particularly from China, which dominates the global rare earth market. These minerals are vital for advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, medical equipment, and defense systems. The executive order highlights the national security risks posed by this dependence, stating that “overbearing federal regulation has eroded the nation’s mineral production.” To address this, the order empowers agencies to fast-track mining projects, prioritize federal lands for mineral production, and develop financing mechanisms to support domestic mining efforts. It also explores innovative solutions, such as extracting rare earth elements from coal ash, a byproduct of coal combustion that has been largely overlooked as a resource. “This really exemplifies the ‘trash to treasure’ mantra,” said Bridget Scanlon, a research professor at the University of Texas at Austin, whose team discovered $8.4 billion worth of rare earth elements in U.S. coal ash deposits.

Global agreements and strategic partnerships

In addition to domestic efforts, the Trump administration is pursuing international agreements to secure access to critical minerals. A deal with Ukraine, which holds significant rare earth deposits, is expected to be finalized soon. The agreement would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth in exchange for continued military support. “We’re doing very well with regard to Ukraine and Russia,” Trump said. “One of the things we are doing is signing a deal very shortly with respect to rare earths with Ukraine. They have tremendous value in rare earth.” The administration is also in talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation rich in cobalt and other critical minerals, to establish mining partnerships. These efforts aim to diversify America’s mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on China. The executive order represents a significant step toward achieving energy dominance and ensuring the U.S. remains competitive in the global economy. By unlocking domestic mineral resources and securing international partnerships, the administration aims to create jobs, strengthen national security, and reduce vulnerabilities in critical supply chains. As the U.S. moves forward with these initiatives, the focus on innovation—such as extracting rare earths from coal ash—demonstrates a commitment to turning challenges into opportunities. With the global demand for critical minerals expected to rise, the Trump administration’s efforts could position America as a leader in the race for energy independence. Sources for this article include: JustTheNews.com TheEpochTimes.com WhiteHouse.gov ClimateDepot.com
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