Trump invokes wartime powers to increase production of critical minerals

CNN — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at immediately increasing American production of critical minerals like uranium, copper, potash and gold by invoking the Defense Production Act to expand leasing and development on federal lands. “It is imperative for our national security that the United States take immediate action to facilitate domestic mineral production to the maximum possible extent,” the order states. Within 10 days, Trump calls for Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to provide a list of all federal lands “known to hold mineral deposits and reserves” and “prioritize mineral production and mining related purposes as the primary land uses in these areas, consistent with applicable law.” An employee works on the production line of lithium-ion battery at a factory on November 14, 2020 in Huaibei, Anhui province, China. Trump previewed the action in his joint address to Congress earlier this month, saying, “I will also take historic action to dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths here in the USA.” On Inauguration Day, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergency, which said an “active threat to the American people from high energy prices is exacerbated by our Nation’s diminished capacity to insulate itself from hostile foreign actors.” Challenging China Rich Nolan, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, applauded Trump’s move, calling ramping up American mining a “national security imperative.” “By encouraging streamlined and transparent permitting processes, combined with financing support to counter foreign market manipulation, we can finally challenge China’s mineral extortion,” he said in a statement.