The administration of US President Donald Trump announced the launch of Project Vault, a government reserve. critical minerals. The $12 billion initiative aims to protect U.S. manufacturers from supply disruptions and reduce dependence on China.
The project involves the creation of a strategic reserve of materials such as gallium and cobalt, which are used in the electronics, automotive, aerospace and energy industries. The financing includes $10 billion in a loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and $1.67 billion in private investment.
Companies that have already joined the initiative include General Motors, Stellantis, Boeing and Google. The purchase and storage of minerals will be carried out by specialized trading companies. The project structurally follows the model of the strategic oil reserve country, but is focused on raw materials for the high-tech industry.
The decision reflects Washington’s overall policy to reshape global supply chains and strengthen economic sovereignty. China now controls most of the world’s production and processing of critical minerals, posing risks to the stability of many industries.
Market participants and experts positively assess this step, noting that the federal government is beginning to play a new role – a market stabilizer and guarantor of supplies. The project also complements the Pentagon’s efforts to accumulate its own reserves of strategic raw materials for defense needs.
The launch of the project marks the US transition to an active government policy in the field of critical minerals provision. This is a long-term measure designed to strengthen industrial safety, stimulate domestic production and reduce the vulnerability of the economy to external supplies.
Source: MINING.COM
