President Trump announced more than $2 billion in funding and investments for critical-minerals projects, alongside $180 million for mining education and workforce training. The measures are intended to expand US supplies of minerals used in batteries, advanced technology and defence equipment, reducing reliance on China, which dominates much of the sector’s mining and processing.

The largest commitment is a $1.4 billion loan to Sila Nanotechnologies for a lithium-battery plant, while Niron Magnetics will receive $150 million to expand rare-earth-free magnet production. A further $400 million is earmarked for Sunrise Energy Metals’ scandium mine in Australia; the administration says skills shortages among engineers, geologists, miners and technicians also constrain efforts to increase production.