The Trump administration has announced plans to direct nearly USD$1 billion toward strengthening U.S. critical minerals and materials supply chains.
These materials, essential for products such as electric vehicle batteries and semiconductors, are largely sourced and processed overseas. The Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday that the funding aims to advance mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies in sectors dominated by China and other foreign producers.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States has relied too heavily on outside suppliers for resources national security. The initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s executive order on maximizing energy development and follows other federal efforts to fast-track domestic resource projects.
The DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) will lead much of the funding distribution. It plans to provide up to USD$500 million to expand domestic critical minerals processing, battery manufacturing, and recycling. In addition, MESC will allocate USD$135 million to strengthen the rare earth elements supply chain by proving the commercial viability of refining and recovering rare earths from mining tailings.
Furthermore, the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management will commit about USD$250 million in financial assistance to facilities capable of producing mineral byproducts from industrial processes. These could include coal plants and other operations with untapped recovery potential. Another USD$50 million will support refining and alloying gallium, germanium, and silicon carbide, which are essential for semiconductors and rare earth magnets.
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Gold focused companies have diversified into antimony production
The initiative comes alongside broader federal measures such as the FAST-41 permitting program, designed to accelerate approvals for major infrastructure and resource projects. Several mining and processing companies have already leveraged FAST-41 to cut regulatory delays and bring projects online faster.
While the focus is on rare earths, battery metals, and semiconductor materials, other firms are making strategic pivots. Some gold-focused companies have diversified into antimony production, recognizing its critical role in defense and energy storage applications. These moves not only hedge against gold price volatility but also position the companies for potential federal support. NevGold Corp‘s (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50), traditionally known for its Nevada and Idaho gold exploration projects, has also taken steps to evaluate opportunities in critical minerals, reflecting a broader industry trend toward diversification.
Accordingly, the nearly $1 billion package is designed to bolster U.S. capabilities across the critical minerals spectrum. If executed successfully, it could strengthen national security, reduce foreign dependence, and create high-quality jobs in key resource regions. Furthermore, the administration hopes to make the United States a competitive player inglobal critical minerals production.
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