CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program

@EximBankUS Chairman @JJovanovicUSA highlights two core design elements of Project Vault: 1️⃣ A structured approach to managing long-term physical degradation 2️⃣ Clear access triggers that provide predictability and transparency for OEMs

In a conversation at CSIS, Ambassador @StefanishynaO highlighted the historic significance of the U.S.–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. With critical minerals as a key pillar, the Fund strengthens supply chain resilience and deepens U.S.–Ukraine partnership at a pivotal moment.

@USTDA is elevating critical minerals as a priority — dedicating over 30% of upcoming programming to feasibility, engineering, and U.S. technology pilots. As Deputy Director & COO Thomas Hardy highlights, minerals development is becoming a core driver of U.S. economic and national security.

Speaking at our event @CommerceGov Secretary @howardlutnick notes, you can’t finance a 30-year project without confidence in 30-year policy. The message: America is committed to securing critical minerals and the broader set of strategic industries that underpin economic security.

AI is driving an unprecedented surge in demand for minerals. @UnderSecE explains how Pax Silica represents a strategic shift in mineral supply‑chain management—and how its two‑workflow model can help strengthen supply‑chain resilience.

In his recent fireside, @Interior @SecretaryBurgum explains how countries are now exploring a “Club of Nations” to support tariff‑free trade, price stability, and long‑term investment in critical minerals as a new model for strengthening global resilience.

"While the ministerial served as a clear vehicle for articulating the administration’s strategic direction, it marked the beginning of the process," write @CSISMinerals experts @GraceBaskaran and Meredith Schwartz. Learn more: csis.org/analysis/criti…

@CommerceGov Secretary @howardlutnick is clear: efficiency isn’t enough — capacity is power. If we want trusted supply chains, we have to process, smelt, recycle, and build at home and with allies.

Earlier this month, the U.S. launched the Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve. @EximBankUS Chairman @JJovanovicUSA outlined the directive: protect U.S. manufacturers from supply shocks without taxpayer subsidies — through a first-of-its-kind public-private model backed by OEM commitments, private equity, and long-term EXIM financing.

Addressing price volatility emerged as a central theme of the Critical Minerals Ministerial. Restoring price stability was repeatedly framed as essential to unlocking sustained private sector investment. Read full analysis from @CSISMinerals: csis.org/analysis/criti…

A mining project in Arizona waited 29 years for a permit. @Interior @SecretaryBurgum joked that someone could start working on it after college and retire before it gets approved. Under his leadership, it took four months to secure the permit — a reminder that when priorities align, government can move.

The Trump administration recently announced the launch of a U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve, also known as Project Vault. @GraceBaskaran explores what the Vault means for the future of U.S. Security in new analysis from @CSISMinerals: csis.org/analysis/proje…

Jasper Jung from @GM underscores the need for clear demand signals to close midstream gaps in critical minerals. Without them, U.S. manufacturing—from EV batteries to LED headlights—remains vulnerable. International cooperation and building on U.S. investments are essential to achieving that. View more here: youtube.com/watch?v=A9GgGd…

Rahim Bapoo, Managing Director at @BMO Capital Markets, shares how 2025 saw record investor interest in critical minerals—and why near-term oversupply in markets like lithium and nickel is creating hesitation. View more here: youtube.com/watch?v=A9GgGd…

@EXIMbankUS_CTEP, SVP at @EximBankUS explains how EXIM attracts private investment in capital-intensive sectors like mining—by prioritizing strong sponsors, credible offtake agreements, and alignment with U.S. strategic objectives. View more here: youtube.com/watch?v=FfmoQ6…

Critical minerals are a national security issue. @SenatorHagerty and @GraceBaskaran highlight how bipartisan legislation aims to restore U.S. mineral security by building capacity at home and with allies. View more here: youtube.com/watch?v=FREjDu…

AI is redefining mineral exploration. John Mern (CEO of Terra AI) and @GraceBaskaran discuss how AI helps the U.S. spot high-potential mining projects earlier, reduce risk, and accelerate development to help close the gap with adversaries. View more here: youtube.com/watch?v=C4FxzA…

How much copper will AI demand? J.J. Ong from @FM_FCX shared a striking fact: a single hyperscale AI data center can require 45,000 metric tons of copper—roughly 22,500 cars worth of copper for one facility. This highlights the growing pressure on global copper supply as demand accelerates. View more here: youtube.com/watch?v=h4tFmu…

ICYMI: @SF_Matt from @MPMaterials and @GraceBaskaran outline how, in 3 years, the U.S. can bring significant permanent magnet capacity online—a critical step toward reducing reliance on China and strengthening supply chains. View more here: youtube.com/watch?v=huRAZB…