Chicago – February 02, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic stockpile of critical minerals aimed at reducing America’s dependence on China.
The initiative combines $1.67 billion in private capital with a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank to procure and store rare earths, lithium, nickel, and other essentials used in electric vehicles, batteries, jet engines, and high-tech weaponry. It seeks to shield manufacturers from supply shocks and price volatility attributed to Chinese market influence, which has long hampered U.S. mining firms.
Over a dozen companies, including General Motors, Stellantis, Boeing, Corning, GE Vernova, and Alphabet’s Google, have joined, with trading firms like Hartree Partners, Traxys North America, and Mercuria managing procurement. The stockpile targets a 60-day emergency supply, bolstering national security and industrial resilience.
This move builds on recent bipartisan efforts for mineral stockpiles and underscores Trump’s push for supply chain independence.
