Trump Signals Bold Shift in Domestic Minerals Strategy

What you need to know

• President Trump’s minerals executive order paves the way for sweeping overhauls to domestic minerals capabilities
• Efforts are underway on the Hill and at the White House to curb import reliance
• Follow Minerals Make Life on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn as they highlight the path to U.S. mineral independence

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

April 14, 2025

Dear Friends,

Increasing trade tensions with China, and China’s willingness to limit the export of strategic minerals to the U.S., underscore the ongoing and deep vulnerabilities in America’s mineral supply chains. In response, a range of actions—from President Trump’s minerals-focused executive order to legislation in Congress—signal a strategic alignment of U.S. economic and national security priorities.

On March 20, President Trump issued the “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production” Executive Order, designed to reduce reliance on foreign minerals and accelerate domestic production. The order charges the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) with prioritizing permitting and mineral projects, focusing specifically on uranium, copper and lithium. Additionally, the order invokes the Defense Production Act to secure supply chains and provide financial support for new mining initiatives. By coordinating resources and aligning production capabilities, this order will underpin infrastructure development, national security and technological innovation.

On Capitol Hill, the Critical Mineral Consistency Act was reintroduced by Senators Lee (R-Utah) and Kelly (D-Ariz.), alongside Reps. Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) and Lee (D-Nev.). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation seeks to streamline the classification of critical minerals, aligning the Critical Materials List maintained by the Department of Energy with the Critical Minerals List curated by the U.S. Geological Survey. By harmonizing these lists, the act ensures transparency and consistency across federal agencies, to produce more of the minerals our economy needs.

Additionally, the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (S. 544) passed out of Committee with bipartisan support. This important bill, which is absolutely necessary to provide mining companies with the certainty needed to conduct mining operations on public lands, now moves to the full Senate.

Let’s keep up the momentum to reduce our dependence on imports and expand domestic mining. We must seize this moment to unlock America’s mineral potential and build a resilient economy for future generations.

Thank you,

Rich Nolan
NMA President and CEO