Trump moves to build $12 billion rare earth mineral reserve
The White House is preparing a $12 billion U.S. stockpile of critical and rare earth minerals, according to an official. The move aims to secure supplies of materials vital to defense, technology, and industry, amid concerns over dependence on foreign sources and potential supply chain disruptions. The planned stockpile would draw on national assessments of critical minerals and expand existing strategic reserve practices. Industry and policymakers are closely watching how the program will be structured, how materials will be sourced and stored, and what it may mean for global mineral markets.