The United States is accelerating measures to strengthen its domestic rare earth elements supply chain amid growing concerns over national security and economic stability. Recent moves from both President Donald Trump’s administration and a bipartisan group in Congress underscore a comprehensive strategy to secure critical mineral resources vital for defense technologies and electric vehicle production.
On the executive front, directives were issued on Wednesday instructing government representatives to engage with international allies to establish potential price floors for rare earths and critical minerals. This approach also includes the contemplation of tariffs against trade partners where necessary. These actions stem from a formal investigation initiated earlier in 2025, which identified the importation of critical minerals and their derivatives as a national security risk.
Parallel to the White House's directives, Congress is preparing to introduce a landmark legislative bill, named the SECURE Minerals Act. Unveiled by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Todd Young (R-IN), this bipartisan initiative is designed to create a $2.5 billion Strategic Resilience Reserve. The reserve aims to build a domestic stockpile of critical minerals that will shield the American economy from external price volatility and supply interruptions.
The legislation proposes the establishment of an independent governing board designed similarly to the Federal Reserve, tasked with overseeing the procurement and storage of essential minerals including lithium, nickel, and various rare earth elements. These materials are particularly crucial not only for defense systems but also for the burgeoning electric vehicle industry. Senator Young emphasized the importance of such a reserve, calling it an “aggressive step” necessary for safeguarding both national security and economic interests.
As these federal efforts gain momentum, several key companies operating within the domestic rare earth supply chain are positioned to be central players in this evolving landscape. Increasing government funding, 'Buy American' mandates, and potential trade restrictions are key drivers for this shift.
MP Materials Corp. (NYSE: MP) stands as the only integrated mine-to-magnet manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere. Its operations include the Mountain Pass mine in California along with a major magnet production facility in Texas. The company has attracted substantial government-backed investments and offtake agreements, reinforcing its leading position in the sector.
Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML) owns the Tanbreez project located in Greenland, which represents one of the largest rare earth deposits globally. Renewed strategic interests from the administration in Greenland’s mineral resources have placed CRML prominently within Arctic security considerations, contributing to its breakout status in 2026.
USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ: USAR) is focused on the Round Top deposit in Texas, notable for its rich reserves of heavy rare earths. Its management has recently accelerated production timelines to 2028 to align with the administration’s directives aimed at addressing emergency energy requirements.
Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC) primarily engages in lithium extraction via the Thacker Pass mine in Nevada. This company exemplifies the national strategy of viewing critical minerals as a unified security asset, evidenced by significant government equity participation.
Trilogy Metals Inc. (AMEX: TMQ) has garnered considerable attention following direct equity investments by the U.S. government in 2025. Its projects in Alaska’s Ambler Mining District are a critical component for diversifying the supply chain not only for rare earths but also for copper and cobalt, which are vital for defense manufacturing.
The combined government initiatives and strategic emphasis on these firms reflect a clear policy trajectory aimed at reducing foreign reliance, enhancing domestic capabilities, and securing critical mineral resources for both economic and national defense purposes.