America’s Mineral Vulnerability: A National Security Imperative for the New Administration

The incoming administration faces a critical challenge that demands immediate attention: the United States' alarming vulnerability in its critical mineral supply chains. This weakness jeopardizes industrial competitiveness, undermines energy security, and exposes the nation to coercion from China, which has entrenched its dominance in this sector through illicit trade practices, forced labor, and environmental exploitation. For far too long, this reliance on an adversarial power has hindered America’s ability to lead in advanced technologies and clean energy. Immediate, bold and significant reforms are necessary to position the United States as a global leader in ethical, secure, and resilient critical mineral production.

China’s control over the critical minerals supply chain is no accident. Decades of deliberate policy, aggressive investment, and state subsidies have made it the dominant global processor, handling 70–90 percent of the world’s supply of minerals essential to clean energy, critical infrastructure, and defense technologies. This strategic leverage poses significant risks to U.S. national security and economic stability. A comprehensive and urgent response is required, integrating diplomatic, informational, military, and economic measures to reduce reliance on adversarial sources and fortify critical supply chains.

Although legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law begin to address these issues, they have fallen short of the scale required. Supply chain transparency remains inadequate, enabling Chinese corporations to obscure the unethical and environmentally harmful origins of materials. Meanwhile, domestic production efforts remain bogged down by bureaucratic delays and outdated permitting processes, preventing infrastructure development critical to reducing dependence on foreign sources. These shortcomings highlight a lack of strategic foresight that has left the nation exposed to supply chain disruptions.

One solution lies in building on successful models of international cooperation to level the global playing field for domestic producers. The Trump administration laid the groundwork with the first bilateral working group on critical minerals with Canada. The U.S.-Japan Critical Mineral Agreement expanded on this approach, incentivizing diversified supply chains and reducing reliance on China. Expanding such partnerships with additional mineral-rich nations and allies presents an opportunity to create alternative, ethical supply chains that strengthen U.S. competitiveness while reinforcing global partnerships rooted in shared values and security interests. This approach could establish a resilient global supply network that addresses vulnerabilities while promoting American leadership in the critical minerals sector.

However, a transparent supply chain is essential for this network to operate effectively. Current mineral supply chains are opaque, hiding unethical practices like forced labor and environmental degradation. Implementing disclosure requirements and traceability mechanisms would ensure that imported minerals meet ethical standards and prevent Chinese firms from concealing material origins or exploiting illegal subsidies. Greater accountability would align U.S. supply chain practices with national values and shield the nation from exploitation.

As there are limits to U.S. mineral self-sufficiency, fostering a diverse and transparent global marketplace remains critical, particularly as domestic players must still compete within a global market. Such a marketplace must reward responsible actors adhering to rigorous ethical and environmental standards, enabling U.S. companies to compete effectively across the supply chain. Tools like the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III can bolster U.S.-based mining and processing initiatives, but further action is needed. Streamlining permitting processes, strengthening demand signals, and investing in advanced mining and recycling technologies are essential steps to ensuring that the United States plays a leading role in a resilient, ethical, and globally interconnected critical minerals sector.

Securing a diversified and ethical supply chain for critical minerals transcends economic interests—it is a matter of national security. Dependence on adversarial powers leaves the United States vulnerable to coercion and single points of failure for defense supply chains. The new administration can enhance technological leadership, strengthen economic stability, and ensure military readiness by investing in supply chain resilience and forging a strong, ethical, and competitive marketplace. The stakes are high, but the opportunity to lead is clear. With decisive action, America can transform its critical mineral supply chain into a model of resilience, responsibility, and strength, securing the nation’s future in a competitive global landscape.