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.
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The third Turkish-owned vessel has departed the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said on Monday....
A gunfight with police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district left at least one attacker dead and two others in...
Iran said on Monday it wanted a lasting end to the war with the U.S. and Israel, and pushed back against p...
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The third Turkish-owned vessel has departed the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said on Monday.
Iran said on Monday it wanted a lasting end to the war with the U.S. and Israel, and pushed back against pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. President Donald Trump warned the country could be "taken out" if it did not meet his Tuesday night deadline to reach a deal.
The UN Security Council has failed to back a Bahraini resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after China and Russia used their vetoes on Tuesday (7 April). The draft resolution called for coordinated "defensive measures" to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait.
Construction has begun on a major new solar power project in Xizang, as China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and push towards a greener future.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday told reporters that Iran could be taken out in one night, "and that night might be tomorrow night," warning Tehran it had to make a deal by Tuesday night or face wider bombing raids.
The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.
A new proposal to end hostilities between the United States and Iran could come into effect as soon as Monday, potentially reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, a source familiar with the plan said on Monday.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran's "whole civilisation" on Tuesday in a post on social media. Meanwhile, the UN failed to reach an agreemement on a resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after China and Russia used their vetoes.
Oil prices rose sharply on Monday as fears deepened over potential supply shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, unsettling global energy markets and the row over the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns for consumers and businesses alike.
Pakistan has called for a two-week extension to a deadline imposed by Donald Trump, as Islamabad seeks to mediate between the United States and Iran amid growing tensions over Gulf oil shipments.
Construction has begun on a major new solar power project in Xizang, as China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and push towards a greener future.
U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance began a visit to Budapest on Tuesday by praising Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces a closely contested parliamentary election on Sunday.
A gunfight with police outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul’s Beşiktaş district left at least one attacker dead and two others injured, according to Turkish authorities, prompting a major police response on Tuesday (7 April).
A train driver has died and several passengers have been injured after a high-speed train collided with an army lorry carrying military equipment at a level crossing in northern France on Tuesday morning (7 April), the local prefecture and railway operators said in separate statements.
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