Trump enacts Korean War-era law to boost domestic mineral production

President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to boost domestic mineral production as part of a Thursday executive order. Reducing American dependence on imported minerals will strengthen national security, according to the order. Beyond using the 1950 Defense Production Act to increase domestic mineral production, the order also listed specific action items, including:

• Fast-tracking the necessary permits and approvals for mining projects under all federal agencies

• Prioritizing mining over other activities on federal lands

• Ordering the secretaries of defense, energy, agriculture, and the interior to identify suitable sites for additional mineral production projects

• Working with private entities to develop a stable and resilient supply chain around critical mineral use and production

Why are “minerals” so important? Modern technology and defense mechanisms depend on critical minerals like lithium used in batteries or uranium used to produce nuclear energy. Trump’s order named several critical minerals of focus for the United States, including uranium, copper, and gold, along with mineral compounds, like coal.

Dig deeper: Read Elizabeth Russell’s report on Trump’s long-expected mineral deal with Ukraine.