- President Trump is set to invoke emergency powers to bypass regulatory hurdles and fast-track domestic mining, processing and refining of critical minerals, reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.
- The urgency stems from China’s control over 80 percent of rare earth processing and key minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt) – which are vital for technology, defense and renewable energy.
- A March 2025 executive order emphasized reviving the U.S. minerals industry to bolster national security, create jobs and reduce dependence on hostile foreign powers.
- Federal agencies must expedite mining permits, lease federal lands for extraction and propose reforms to outdated laws like the 1872 Mining Act to accelerate development.
- The plan includes public-private partnerships, loans and insurance for mining ventures, along with Export-Import Bank support to secure global mineral supplies for U.S. manufacturing.
(Natural News)—In a bold move to reduce America’s dependence on foreign adversaries for critical minerals, U.S. President Donald Trump has invoked emergency powers to fast-track domestic mining, processing and refining of these essential metals.
Reuters reported, citing a document set to be published in the Federal Register, that the chief executive will slash legal requirements – including some congressional funding approvals – relating to the Cold War-era Defense Production Act (DPA). Per the outlet, the DPA “grants the president broad emergency powers to control domestic industries and resources during national security emergencies.”
The urgency behind the order stems from China’s stranglehold on the global supply of rare earth elements and critical minerals, which are indispensable for modern technology and defense systems. By waiving regulatory hurdles and prioritizing federal land use for mining, the administration seeks to reclaim America’s position as a leader in mineral production – a sector vital for everything from smartphones to fighter jets.
Historically, the U.S. was a mining powerhouse – but the shift toward outsourcing coupled with China’s aggressive industrial policies eroded that dominance. Today, China controls over 80 percent of rare earth processing and holds significant influence over cobalt, lithium and other minerals essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Inside Trump’s plan to boost U.S. mining
Trump’s recent actions picked up on an executive order (EO) he signed months earlier. The EO dated March 20, 2025 aimed to bolster national security by reviving the U.S. minerals industry, which has long been overshadowed by China’s near-monopoly over global supply chains.
“The U.S. possesses vast mineral resources that can create jobs, fuel prosperity and significantly reduce our reliance on foreign nations,” The March order stated. “Our national and economic security are now acutely threatened by our reliance upon hostile foreign powers’ mineral production.” (Related: America is too reliant on foreign sources of key minerals needed for “green” economy, data shows.)
Under the order, federal agencies must identify and expedite permits for priority mining projects within days. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Energy are tasked with leasing federal lands to private companies for mineral extraction.
Additionally, the administration is pushing for legislative changes to the 1872 Mining Act to streamline waste disposal regulations – statutes that have historically slowed development. The law governs mineral rights on public lands. But beyond regulatory rollbacks, the plan leverages financial incentives to spur investment.
The DoD will partner with private capital through the National Security Capital Forum, while the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation is authorized to provide loans and political risk insurance for domestic mining ventures. The Export-Import Bank is also directed to secure global mineral supplies for U.S. processing, ensuring a steady feedstock for domestic manufacturers.
The Trump administration’s move mirrors past efforts, like the 2010 rare earth crisis when China restricted exports, prompting calls for domestic supply chain resilience. Ultimately, the order signals a decisive step toward decoupling from adversarial supply chains. As global competition for resources intensifies, the success of this initiative could determine whether the U.S. reclaims its industrial independence – or remains at the mercy of foreign producers.
Visit Metals.news for more similar stories. Watch this Fox News report about Russia and the U.S. negotiating a deal for rare Earth minerals.
More related stories:
- China’s ban on rare earth minerals export rattles the world tech industry.
- Texas congressmen introduce bill to reduce U.S. reliance on China rare-earth minerals.
- Exactly as we warned would happen, China just banned exports of critical minerals in response to Trump’s threat of punitive tariffs targeting BRICS nations.
Sources include:
Why the National Debt Is the Looming Threat to Your Retirement Plans
The Hidden Crisis No One Is Talking About
Every day, headlines warn about inflation, market volatility, and global instability—but the greatest looming threat to your retirement might be something far more fundamental: America’s skyrocketing national debt.
You can learn more about how the national debt affects you by reading this 3-minute report titled, “Debt Will Hit $40T in 2026: Prepare Your Retirement Now“.
With debt growing faster than most Americans can possibly fathom, the government’s borrowing habits have reached historic—and dangerous—levels. To cover spending, Washington is making moves with their budget packages, tariffs, and taxes. Is it enough? No. It’s not even close to what would be necessary to stop out-of-control debt, let alone reverse it.
How Debt Erodes Your Nest Egg
There are only so many levers government and the Federal Reserve can pull to try to protect Americans, assuming that’s even a top priority for them. Unfortunately, pulling one level to relive one pressure invariably adds pressure from another direction. This is why prices keep going up even as inflation reportedly slows.
For retirees and pre-retirees, that’s a perfect storm. The dollars you’ve worked hard to save lose value, and your cost of living increases while your investments lag behind.
If you’re relying solely on paper-based assets—stocks, bonds, or mutual funds—you’re essentially tied to the same system that’s creating the problem. It’s a system that was designed to work well in the 20th century, not in today’s world with people living longer and the dollar rapidly losing value.
This is why the 3-minute report, “Debt Will Hit $40T in 2026: Prepare Your Retirement Now,” is so important.
The Precious Metals Hedge
Thousands of Americans are looking for a tangible, time-tested hedge: physical gold and silver.
Unlike paper assets, precious metals aren’t dependent on government policy or the stock market’s mood swings. They’re real, finite resources that have maintained value for thousands of years through wars, recessions, and inflationary periods.
In fact, during times of high inflation and fiscal instability, gold often performs its best—because it’s seen as a store of value when faith in the dollar weakens. This is why prices have skyrocketed this year and are expected by many economists to continue going up in the future.
Take Control with a Gold IRA
One of the most effective ways to protect your retirement from national debt fallout is through a self-directed Gold IRA. This IRS-approved account lets you hold physical gold and silver within your retirement portfolio, giving you:
- Direct ownership of your assets
- A hedge against inflation and dollar decline
- The control to diversify beyond Wall Street
Augusta Precious Metals specializes in helping Americans just like you take this step with confidence. The company has earned a strong reputation for transparency, education, and personalized service—making it one of the most trusted names in the industry.
The Next Step: Secure Your Financial Future
Augusta Precious Metals has helped thousands of Americans with at least $50,000 to invest from their IRAs, 401(K)s, TSPs, and other retirement accounts safeguard their savings through precious metals.
If you’re concerned about what the rising national debt could mean for your future, now is the time to act.
Read this 3-minute report titled, “Debt Will Hit $40T in 2026: Prepare Your Retirement Now“ and learn the simple steps you can take to protect your retirement.