Wedoany.com Report-Mar 12, US President Donald Trump plans to build metal refining plants on Pentagon bases to increase US production of key minerals and reduce reliance on China.
The Pentagon controls 30 million acres of land, providing space for refining facilities without needing to buy land or use land from other agencies.
The move is part of an executive order Trump could sign as soon as Wednesday, citing sources.
Last week, he told the US Congress he would “take historic action to dramatically expand production of critical minerals and rare earths here in the US”.
Under the directive, the Pentagon would collaborate with other federal agencies to set up processing facilities on its military bases.
The Pentagon controls about 30 million acres of land, which would provide space for refining facilities without needing to buy land or use land from other agencies.
While the plan may upset US miners, it could help address concerns about China’s control over global metal processing.
The minerals processed by Beijing are used to produce US military equipment including fighter jets, submarines, ammunition and other weaponry.
Utilising military bases for processing highlights the significance Trump attaches to critical minerals in relation to national security, the report said.
Trump also intends to appoint a critical minerals czar, mirroring actions taken by previous presidents to streamline Washington’s attention on specific issues.
The plans are still being debated and may be subject to change before Trump finalises and signs the order, according to the report.
Some Trump officials were concerned China might limit exports of critical minerals due to Trump’s tariffs or for other reasons.
Trump’s plan also aims to expand the FAST-41 process for mine permits, building on a move he made during his first term.
South32’s Hermosa project in Arizona was fast-tracked by Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, becoming the first mine to get this treatment.
Trump’s order could also reclassify mine waste on federal land, similar to what other companies have done to reuse old waste rock.
This could make copper and other minerals cheaper and faster to produce. It is unclear if Trump will declare copper a strategic mineral, which would give US miners a 10% tax credit.
Freeport, the biggest US copper miner, hopes this move could save it $500m a year.
