Trump's strategic mineral reserve plan promoted by Trump, billionaire entrepreneurs also participate

President Donald Trump is planning to launch an ambitious strategic mineral stockpile initiative aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of domestic industries. Named “Project Vault,” this plan seeks to establish a national reserve of rare earth elements and strategically important minerals, modeled after the existing Strategic Petroleum Reserve program. According to Jin10 reports, this project is approaching several critical phases.

$1.2 Billion Multi-layered Funding Structure

The realization of this plan requires an initial fund of $120 million, employing a diversified approach to financing. While $16.7 million will be raised from private capital, a $1 billion loan is planned from the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The bank’s board is expected to vote on record-breaking 15-year loan terms within this month, and the establishment of this credit line will significantly influence the project’s feasibility.

Alongside the funding framework, commercial partnerships for securing raw materials are rapidly advancing. Commodity trading firms such as Hartley Partners, Traxis North America, and Mercurius Energy Group have already signed contracts for stable mineral resource procurement, enhancing the viability of supply chain development.

Collaboration with Major Companies and Billionaire Miners

Companies participating in Project Vault are all leading firms representing key sectors of the U.S. industry. Over ten major corporations have already committed, including automakers General Motors and Stellantis; aerospace and electrical giants Boeing and GE Vernova; materials companies like Corning; and technology firms such as Google. These companies are central to manufacturing sectors heavily dependent on strategic minerals.

Notably, billionaire entrepreneur Robert Friedland, a prominent figure in the mining industry, is deeply involved in this project. With extensive experience and capital in mineral resource production and procurement, Friedland supports the initiative from the private sector perspective.

Key Meetings This Month and Path to Implementation

In early this month, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors. This meeting will serve as a crucial opportunity for dialogue between consumer-side stakeholders of critical minerals and supply-side representatives. Friedland, representing the mining sector as a billionaire, and Barra, representing major U.S. manufacturing, will align their interests and strategies.

Building a strategic mineral reserve is a long-term policy goal to enhance U.S. industrial independence. This public-private joint effort could mark a significant first step toward restructuring the global supply chain.