Trump Announces Measures to Boost U.S. Mineral Production Amid Security Concerns
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled new measures aimed at increasing domestic mineral production, including critical minerals, uranium, copper, potash, and gold.
The move is designed to address the ongoing security and economic threats the U.S. faces due to its reliance on foreign mineral supplies, particularly from countries deemed hostile.
The new directive mandates that, within 10 days, the Secretary of the Interior, along with presidential assistants for economic policy and security, identify federal lands rich in mineral deposits and reserves. The order prioritizes mineral production and mining-related activities in these areas, aligning with existing laws.
The policy outlines that the extraction, processing, refining, and smelting of minerals, as well as the production of processed critical minerals, must occur on U.S. soil, with an emphasis on domestic production over imports.
This initiative, part of the “Do More in America” strategy, is expected to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign minerals and boost local manufacturing.
U.S.-DRC Mineral Deal Discussions at Risk
The new measures come amid ongoing discussions between the United States and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) about the potential exploitation of Congolese mineral resources in exchange for security support.
In a March 19, 2025, interview with Le Figaro, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi emphasized his country’s desire for a mutually beneficial partnership.
Tshisekedi made it clear that his goal was not to “sell off” Congolese minerals but to establish a value chain through local processing and mineral added value, benefitting both nations.
Recently, the U.S. State Department indicated its readiness to explore the possibility of U.S. investment in Congo’s rich mineral resources, provided there is stability and security in the region.
President Tshisekedi met with U.S. Special Envoy Ronny Jackson in Kinshasa on March 16, where Jackson reiterated that peace is essential for American companies to invest and operate in the DRC.
