Critical minerals play a key role in strengthening national defense technologies by enabling the production of advanced military systems and defense equipment.

The U.S. economy depends heavily on critical minerals, especially for national security technologies. The production of cutting-edge military systems, electronics, and defense gear depends on these minerals, which include lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements. Communications, missile guidance, aircraft, and cybersecurity technologies—all essential to preserving national security—use critical minerals. Critical minerals are necessary for electronics, electric cars, and renewable energy sources in addition to defense. Because of its strategic significance, the United States is concentrating on securing domestic supplies to lessen reliance on outside sources and guarantee the stability of its economic and military infrastructure.