President Donald Trump has launched "Project Vault," a pioneering public-private partnership to establish a stockpile of all minerals classified as "critical" by the U.S. Geological Survey, with $10 billion in financing from the Export-Import Bank.
Project Vault Initiative
The Trump administration's new minerals stockpile initiative, dubbed "Project Vault," will include any mineral identified as critical by the USGS, part of the Interior Department. This move aims to bolster national security and supply chain resilience.
Critical Minerals List
The USGS lists over 50 minerals as critical, including:
- Rare earths
- Lithium
- Uranium
- Copper These minerals are considered essential for national security, economic stability, and supply chain resilience, underpinning key industries and technological innovation.
Funding and Structure
The U.S. Export-Import Bank will provide a $10 billion loan for the project, with approximately $2 billion sourced from private capital. President Trump emphasized that the initiative covers all critical minerals, not just select ones.
Industry Engagement
Companies such as GE Vernova, Western Digital, and Boeing have expressed interest in the project. General Motors CEO Mary Barra attended the White House event where Project Vault was unveiled.
