Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Wednesday of a ticking time bomb in global critical minerals supply—excessively funneled through China, breeding geopolitical hazards. Launching a diversification pact with 55 nations, the US seeks to fortify economic engines, tech frontiers, and security against these single-source pitfalls.
Journalists at the Critical Minerals Ministerial heard Rubio praise the momentum: dozens signed on among 55 partners, goal unambiguous. S. Jaishankar voiced India’s stake.
Policymakers once ignored supply chain basics amid design euphoria, Rubio charged. Now, hyper-concentration invites weaponization or collapse from shocks like health crises or turmoil.
Deposits lie dormant globally due to subsidy-driven price wars that scare off investors. Dominance breeds exploitative pricing, pressure tactics, and shock susceptibility—a dead end.
US innovations include faster permits, Trump-era stockpiles, and FORGE, with swift global uptake. DFC, EXIM, and others detail investment aids; Bessent concludes.
Pivotal frameworks signings ahead, with billions committed. Ukraine-Russia tech teams convene US-side for first time long, unresolved list trimmed to finals. Minerals key to Ukraine revival.
Trump open to Iran parleys tackling arms, terror, atoms, rights—no shortcuts. Argentina, Morocco exemplify needed alliances: minerals scarcity demands partnership.