An executive order could be signed as soon as Wednesday. The goal is to reduce dependency on China.
The U.S. government is reportedly planning bold steps to reduce reliance on China for critical mineral processing. According to Reuters, sources close to the administration said that President Donald Trump plans to authorize the construction of refining facilities on Pentagon military bases through an executive order, expected to be signed as soon as Wednesday.
China currently dominates the global processing of essential minerals used in both consumer products and military equipment, leaving the U.S. and its allies dependent on Chinese imports. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the nation was 100% reliant on imports for 12 of the 50 minerals classified as critical in 2024. In response, Trump recently vowed to “dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths here in the USA.” As trade tensions with China escalate, Washington may seek to bolster national security and mitigate foreign supply chain risks by pushing for more domestic refining capabilities.
Bold Action but Questions Remain
While manufacturers view the move as a step toward securing vital resources, some U.S. mining companies may feel overlooked due to the emphasis on refining rather than new domestic mining operations.
Industry experts, however, question the feasibility of the plan. For example, Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, former Deputy Director for Batteries & Critical Materials at the U.S. Department of Energy, raised concerns about operational challenges in a social media post, noting that much of the technical expertise remains in China. Additionally, uncertainties persist regarding raw material sourcing and the establishment of a stable offtake market for the refined minerals.
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