The Trump administration will accelerate permitting for 10 mining projects across the U.S. as part of a sweeping effort to secure domestic supplies of copper, lithium, antimony, and other critical minerals essential for defense, energy, and technology. The move, announced Friday, leverages the FAST-41 program to slash bureaucratic delays while the White House weighs new tariffs on mineral imports to counter China’s dominance.
Key Projects Fast-Tracked
- Idaho: Perpetua Resources’ antimony/gold mine (crucial for munitions and batteries).
- Arizona: Rio Tinto’s Resolution Copper (largest untapped U.S. copper deposit).
- Nevada: Albemarle’s lithium mine expansion (vital for EV batteries).
- Arkansas: Standard Lithium’s direct lithium extraction (first-of-its-kind U.S. project).
- Montana: Hecla Mining’s copper-silver mine.
- Alabama: Warrior Met Coal’s metallurgical coal (steel production).
Why It Matters
- National Security: The U.S. imports >50% of 35 critical minerals, with China controlling supply chains for lithium, rare earths, and graphite.
- Trade War Escalation: Trump’s parallel probe into tariffs on mineral imports targets China while incentivizing domestic production.
- Industry Backing: Companies like Perpetua and Rio Tinto praised the move, citing “economic and energy security” benefits.
Political Context
- FAST-41: A federal program (launched in 2015) to streamline infrastructure permits, now expanded under Trump.
- Biden’s Precedent: South32’s Arizona zinc-manganese project was the first FAST-41 mining approval in 2023.
- 2024 Election Flashpoint: Trump frames the push as “ending reliance on hostile nations,” contrasting with Biden’s climate-focused mineral policies.
Challenges Ahead
- Environmental Opposition: Projects like Resolution Copper face lawsuits over land use and water rights.
- Market Realities: Global oversupply of lithium could dampen investor interest.
- Tariff Risks: New levies might disrupt existing import-dependent industries.
What’s Next?
- Permitting Timelines: Projects could gain approvals in months vs. years, though legal battles may delay some.
- Additional Sites: The White House pledged to add more projects soon.
- Global Ripples: China may retaliate with export curbs on processed minerals.
Trump Fast-Tracks 10 Critical Minerals Projects to Boost U.S. Supply Chain