On March 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order aimed at revitalizing the United States’ domestic mineral production, crucial for national security and economic prosperity.
The order underscores the country’s immense mineral resources, suggesting that they hold the potential to generate jobs, enhance infrastructure, bolster defense capabilities, and foster new technologies through a reliable supply chain.
Historically, the United States was once the world’s leading producer of valuable minerals.
However, the President asserts that excessive federal regulations have hindered the nation’s ability to exploit these resources fully.
The reliance on foreign mineral production, particularly from hostile nations, poses a significant threat to national and economic security.
In the opening section of the order, President Trump emphasizes the urgency of actions needed to bolster domestic mineral production.
In conjunction with the order, various definitions are outlined that clarify the scope and goals of the initiative.
Minerals encompass critical elements as defined by federal regulations, including uranium, copper, and gold, among others.
The term ‘mineral production’ is defined to include mining, processing, refining, and smelting activities, as well as the production of processed critical minerals.
The executive order identifies priority projects to expedite mineral production.
Within ten days, heads of each executive department involved in mineral production permissions are instructed to provide a list of relevant projects to the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC).
This list includes all plans of operation, permit applications, or any needed approvals submitted to these agencies.
The agencies will then work with the NEDC Chair to identify priority projects for immediate approval and expedited actions.
Notably, this aim for faster approval processes includes identifying specific projects that fall under the Permitting Dashboard.
Within fifteen days of the order, the NEDC Chair must submit these projects to the Executive Director of the Permitting Council for their consideration.
This new approach reflects an intention to streamline the cumbersome federal permitting process that has slowed mineral production.
In a bid to amend existing policies, the order also addresses the Mining Act of 1872, mandating recommendations for Congress within thirty days on waste rock, tailings, and mine waste disposal.
Moreover, the Secretary of the Interior is charged with identifying federal lands that are rich in mineral deposits, providing a list of these areas to key economic and national security advisors.
The order emphasizes that mineral production should be prioritized as the main use of these designated federal lands in adherence to applicable law.
Further collaboration between various federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Interior, Agriculture, and Energy, is envisioned to uncover additional opportunities for mineral production development.
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy will also play a crucial role in entering into leases with private entities for the establishment of mineral production enterprises on federal lands.
This includes the flexibility for adapting existing structures to suit commercial requirements for mineral production.
Additionally, the order recognizes the significance of private and public capital investment in mineral production.
The Secretary of Defense is tasked with leveraging the National Security Capital Forum to connect private investors with domestically viable mineral production projects.
A waiver of existing requirements under the Defense Production Act (DPA) demonstrates the urgency of addressing domestic production needs amid a national energy emergency declared earlier this year.
The order delegates significant authority to the Secretary of Defense and the CEO of the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to drive mineral production initiatives.
Among various powers conferred to the DFC, the authority to provide loans and financial support for domestic mineral production projects is emphasized as a key strategy for maintaining and bolstering the nation’s resource base.
Through strategic coordination with other federal entities, encompassing a broad array of support measures, the order seeks to maximize the potential of America’s mineral resources.
Moreover, the administration aims to draft legislation endorsing private-public capital ventures to assist domestic small businesses engaged in mineral production within a 45-day window.
The executive order serves as a comprehensive blueprint intended to reinvigorate mining activity, augment the supply chain, and ultimately enhance the United States’ strategic autonomy over its mineral resources.
Despite the ambitious framework established by this executive order, it remains to be seen how effectively these initiatives will be implemented amidst potential challenges and objections from various stakeholders.
The order, however, is just one part of broader efforts that may reshape the landscape of mineral production in the United States, potentially reinforcing national security and economic stability.
Given the stakes involved, the success of this initiative could have enduring impacts on job creation, technological advancement, and the international positioning of the United States regarding critical minerals.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-measures-to-increase-american-mineral-production/
