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.
The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to address Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, following concerns raised by Western diplomats, sources said on Monday.
A bus overturned in southern Mexico on Monday morning, killing 11 people and injuring at least 12 others, authorities in Oaxaca said.
Syria’s Islamist-led government declared on Monday that it had completed military operations against a growing insurgency by Bashar al-Assad loyalists, as Western governments called for accountability over reports of hundreds of civilians killed in sectarian violence.
The United Nations climate summit model is showing its limits, despite decades of negotiations, said COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago, calling for a new era focused on action rather than prolonged talks.
Moldova signed a €30 million ($32.5 million) agreement with the French Development Agency on Monday to improve energy efficiency, President Maia Sandu announced after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to address Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, following concerns raised by Western diplomats, sources said on Monday.
A bus overturned in southern Mexico on Monday morning, killing 11 people and injuring at least 12 others, authorities in Oaxaca said.
Syria’s Islamist-led government declared on Monday that it had completed military operations against a growing insurgency by Bashar al-Assad loyalists, as Western governments called for accountability over reports of hundreds of civilians killed in sectarian violence.
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 United Nations climate summit model is showing its limits, despite decades of negotiations, said COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago, calling for a new era focused on action rather than prolonged talks.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
Italy’s League party urges the government to favour Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for satellite communication systems, citing Starlink's technological edge. The push comes amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² program, as Italy seeks secure communication solutions for officials.
Ford Motor Company will recall 35,328 vehicles due to a potential fire hazard linked to faulty LED lights in the exterior mirrors, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday.
The U.S. is withdrawing from the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), a global initiative to help developing countries transition from coal, sources confirmed. The move, part of President Donald Trump’s policy shift, affects projects in South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
NASA announced on Monday a series of organizational changes that include eliminating its chief scientist role and shutting down key policy offices, resulting in layoffs affecting 23 employees.
The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to address Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, following concerns raised by Western diplomats, sources said on Monday.
A bus overturned in southern Mexico on Monday morning, killing 11 people and injuring at least 12 others, authorities in Oaxaca said.
Moldova signed a €30 million ($32.5 million) agreement with the French Development Agency on Monday to improve energy efficiency, President Maia Sandu announced after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
A cargo ship rammed into an oil tanker off England’s northeast coast on Monday, igniting a fire and spilling jet fuel into the sea, forcing crews to abandon ship as explosions erupted.
The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed-door meeting on Wednesday to address Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, following concerns raised by Western diplomats, sources said on Monday.
A bus overturned in southern Mexico on Monday morning, killing 11 people and injuring at least 12 others, authorities in Oaxaca said.
Syria’s Islamist-led government declared on Monday that it had completed military operations against a growing insurgency by Bashar al-Assad loyalists, as Western governments called for accountability over reports of hundreds of civilians killed in sectarian violence.
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 United Nations climate summit model is showing its limits, despite decades of negotiations, said COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago, calling for a new era focused on action rather than prolonged talks.
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