A Landmark Year for American Mineral Security

What you need to know

• Congress must act decisively on permitting reform, to provide regulatory clarity and enact tax credit fixes to reduce U.S. reliance on China and unlock America’s minerals potential for economic, energy and national security.
• The Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS), clarifying jurisdiction, defining covered waters and aligning with the Sackett decision.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

December 17, 2025

Dear Friend,

2025 was a breakthrough year for America’s minerals future. Policy improvements, executive and agency actions, and historic investments reshaped the landscape, signaling a new era of minerals independence and supply chain strength.

From executive orders to the creation of the National Energy Dominance Council, the administration centralized minerals policy and accelerated momentum. Federal agencies were directed to cut regulatory barriers, expand the Critical Minerals List and leverage the Defense Production Act to boost investment. These actions sent a clear message: mineral security is now a cornerstone of America’s economic strength, energy dominance and national security agenda.

The administration also took aim at permitting challenges. Thanks to the FAST-41 program and sweeping NEPA changes, dozens of projects gained streamlined approvals, tackling longstanding delays. These moves allowed a long-awaited breakthrough in bringing projects online faster and with greater transparency.

Strategic investment is building on the momentum. The Department of War became the largest shareholder in rare earths producer MP Materials, while the Department of Energy took stakes in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass project — the largest lithium deposit in the country. Private capital followed suit, with JPMorgan Chase investing in Perpetua Resources. Together, these moves strengthened supply chains and signaled confidence in America’s minerals future.

The year’s momentum reflects the most coordinated federal push for domestic mineral production in a generation. By aligning executive actions, permitting improvements and direct investment, 2025 will be remembered as the year America began to reclaim its role as a global minerals leader. The foundation has been laid for energy independence, economic competitiveness and national security, and the work ahead will determine how these gains are cemented in 2026 and beyond.

Thank you,

Rich Nolan
National Mining Association (NMA)
President and CEO