U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order that would build metals refining facilities on Pentagon military bases, aiming to boost domestic production of critical minerals and counter China’s dominance in the sector, senior administration officials told Reuters.
The move is part of a broader strategy Trump outlined to Congress last week, promising to "dramatically expand" America’s rare earth and critical mineral supply. The Pentagon would work with federal agencies to set up processing facilities on its vast land holdings, avoiding regulatory hurdles faced by private companies.
The plan does not include creating a U.S. critical minerals stockpile or a "Buy American" mandate requiring vendors to source only from domestic mines. However, it seeks to fast-track permitting for mining projects and reclassify waste rock to extract valuable minerals from old mine sites.
Trump’s strategy reflects growing concerns that China could restrict exports of key minerals used in fighter jets, submarines, and advanced weaponry. The administration has also discussed appointing a critical minerals czar to coordinate efforts.
While the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act would still apply to Pentagon sites, it remains unclear how Trump’s plan would navigate regulatory challenges that have stalled private sector processing projects.
Trump’s approach prioritizes refining over new mining operations, which could frustrate U.S. miners but benefit manufacturers dependent on metals processing. Major industry players, including Freeport-McMoRan, hope Trump will classify copper as a strategic mineral, unlocking tax credits worth $500 million annually.
The executive order could be signed as early as Wednesday, marking a major shift in U.S. resource policy amid ongoing trade tensions with China.
President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a temporary Easter ceasefire in Ukraine has drawn strong criticism from Kyiv, as Ukrainian leaders question the sincerity behind Moscow’s gesture amid continued hostilities and deep mistrust.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denounced a Russian drone strike that occurred just hours after the start of a declared Easter truce, calling it proof of Vladimir Putin’s blatant disregard for both the holiday and human life.
Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he plans to visit India later this year, following a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about potential collaboration in technology and innovation.
Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted once more early on Saturday, with ash and lava spewing from the southeastern crater. The eruption, which began late Friday night, continued through midday, local sources reported.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
The U.S. Supreme Court has paused the Trump administration’s deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, citing legal concerns.
Protesters and police clashed in the Israeli town of Mazor as crowds rallied against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Hamas claims it has lost contact with the group holding Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli soldier, after an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed one of his guards.
Tehran and Washington have wrapped up their second round of nuclear talks, aiming to revive stalled diplomacy and explore the path to a potential agreement.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
The Russian ruble has emerged as the top-performing currency globally in 2025, registering an impressive 38% appreciation against the US dollar since the beginning of the year, according to a report by Bloomberg.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Several regions in Ukraine faced heightened alert on Palm Sunday, as reports of explosions and missile threats drew public attention and official responses.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
The U.S. Supreme Court has paused the Trump administration’s deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, citing legal concerns.
Protesters and police clashed in the Israeli town of Mazor as crowds rallied against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Hamas claims it has lost contact with the group holding Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli soldier, after an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed one of his guards.
Tehran and Washington have wrapped up their second round of nuclear talks, aiming to revive stalled diplomacy and explore the path to a potential agreement.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
The U.S. Supreme Court has paused the Trump administration’s deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, citing legal concerns.
Protesters and police clashed in the Israeli town of Mazor as crowds rallied against Prime Minister Netanyahu’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Hamas claims it has lost contact with the group holding Edan Alexander, a U.S.-Israeli soldier, after an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed one of his guards.
Tehran and Washington have wrapped up their second round of nuclear talks, aiming to revive stalled diplomacy and explore the path to a potential agreement.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing efforts to end the Israeli war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 7, 2023.
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