CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program

Developing policy solutions to build resilient critical minerals supply chains needed for national and energy security and economic competitiveness.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

When asked by @RepEliCrane about Arizona's role in U.S. copper production, @GraceBaskaran pointed to a critical gap. Resolution Copper alone could meet 25% of U.S. copper demand but mining is only half the equation. Without domestic smelting capacity, that copper leaves the country.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

When asked by @RepHageman about FORGE, @GraceBaskaran noted that geopolitics isn't our biggest problem—economics is. Low prices are choking investment in critical minerals.

The solution? Aggregate demand across allies. Break trade barriers. And make FORGE more than handshake diplomacy.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

In her testimony, @GraceBaskaran notes that for over a century, the United States has used industrial policy to secure critical mineral supply chains—from financing nickel mines to setting uranium price floors.
The real challenge isn’t capability—it’s consistency. We build in crisis, then dismantle when it fades. That cycle is costing us.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

In her testimony, @GraceBaskaran noted that mineral supply-side interventions alone are not enough.

The CHIPS Act showed what happens when we fund manufacturing but neglect inputs:
→ $280B for semiconductors
→ No parallel strategy for critical minerals.

The result? China cut off gallium and germanium needed to manufacture those semiconductors. We need a full supply chain strategy—from mine to manufactured good.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

Brandon Craig, newly appointed CEO of @bhp, joined @GraceBaskaran in October to discuss global copper security. Copper spans the Americas—from Canada to Chile—creating a major opportunity to link geology, mining, processing, and markets into one integrated hemispheric supply chain.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

@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

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

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.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

@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.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

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.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

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.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

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.

[CSIS @CSIS]

"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: https://t.co/w0RLjSBU4y

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

@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.

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

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.

[CSIS @CSIS]

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: https://t.co/w0RLjSBU4y

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

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.

[CSIS @CSIS]

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:
https://t.co/7I9nn4t4ek

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

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: https://t.co/WzO5hqrQEA

[CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program @CSISMinerals]

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: https://t.co/5akF8kDj9H