A key focus of U.S. mineral policy is reducing reliance on imports of strategic minerals to enhance national security and technological competitiveness.

Reducing dependency on imports of critical minerals—which are vital for sectors including defense, renewable energy, and high technology—is a major goal of U.S. mineral policy. The production of everything from electronics and batteries to military equipment depends on minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements. With other nations, particularly China, controlling manufacturing, the United States wants to ensure a steady supply of these commodities to lessen supply chain vulnerabilities worldwide. To improve the security of the mineral supply, efforts are concentrated on boosting domestic production, enhancing recycling techniques, and establishing strategic alliances.