Trump administration unveils $1B plan to boost U.S. critical minerals supply

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Wednesday that the Trump administration has unveiled a nearly $1 billion funding plan to boost U.S. production of critical minerals and materials, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly China.

The initiative seeks to advance mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies within supply chains long dominated by China and other nations.

"For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security," said Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

The funding aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order on maximising energy development.

The Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) will offer up to $500 million to expand domestic processing, battery manufacturing, and recycling.

An additional $135 million will support rare earth element supply chains by proving the commercial viability of refining and recovering minerals from mining tailings.

The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management will provide about $250 million for facilities, including coal plants, capable of producing mineral byproducts from industrial processes.

Another $50 million will target the rare earth magnet supply chain, focusing on refining and alloying materials like gallium, germanium, and silicon carbide for semiconductor production.

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