US strategic critical minerals reserve plan to cut China dependence

On February 2, Donald Trump announced plans for a US strategic critical minerals reserve, marking a major shift in how the country secures key resources for civilian industries. The initiative is designed to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains and limit Beijing’s leverage in global trade negotiations.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said, “Today we're announcing the creation of the U.S. strategic critical minerals reserve, the first-ever stockpile of the critical minerals that you've been hearing so much about.” He added that the reserve is intended to support American industry, similar in concept to existing strategic reserves.

Project Vault and funding structure

The program, officially named Project Vault, will be financed through a combination of public and private capital. According to the announcement, funding will include a USD 10 billion loan from the :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} and an additional USD 2 billion from private-sector partners.

Support for civilian manufacturing

Unlike defense-focused stockpiles, this reserve is aimed squarely at civilian use. The stored materials will be made available to automakers, technology companies, and other manufacturers that rely heavily on stable access to critical raw materials for production continuity.

Scope of minerals included

The US strategic critical minerals reserve will cover a broad range of materials. It will include any of the more than 50 minerals identified as critical by the Interior Department’s :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Key materials expected in the stockpile include:

• Lithium

• Cobalt

• Nickel

• Graphite

• Copper

• Silicon

• Titanium

Trump emphasized the wide scope of the initiative during the event, stating, “You’re covering everything with this. We’re not just doing certain minerals and rare earths. We’re doing everything.”

Sourcing and storage strategy

Minerals for the reserve will be sourced both domestically and internationally to ensure supply diversity. Storage will take place within the United States using existing infrastructure. EXIM Bank Chairman John Jovanovic said, “We have a network of warehouse facilities in which it’s going to be stored in the United States.” This approach is intended to strengthen supply chain resilience while keeping physical control of materials onshore. By establishing the US strategic critical minerals reserve, the administration is positioning American industry to better manage supply risks tied to rare earths and other essential materials, particularly as demand from electric vehicles, electronics, and advanced manufacturing continues to accelerate.