Opinion | How the US can challenge China’s dominance over critical minerals

To secure critical minerals, cut dependence on China and boost growth, Trump might cut red tape, spur investment and push collaborations

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President Donald Trump watches the action during the second half of the Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 14, 2019, in Philadelphia. Photo: USA Today

Published: 8:30pm, 23 Jan 2025

US President Donald Trump’s administration is expected to drive an “America first” agenda that is poised to harness the untapped potential of deep-sea minerals to strengthen US critical mineral supply chains and cut dependence on China.

Deep-sea mining is becoming a key battleground in the race to secure access to cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper, minerals abundant in the ocean floor and vital to infrastructure, defence and energy systems.

To counter China’s dominance in mineral refining, the US Congress recently included a provision in the defence funding bill for this year to study the feasibility of domestic refining of nodule-derived intermediates. A bipartisan policy working group met industry and academic experts last year and issued a report recommending legislation to address critical mineral supply chain vulnerabilities.

These ocean resources present an opportunity for the United States to not only challenge China’s dominance in critical minerals on land, but also substantially strengthen its domestic maritime, processing and manufacturing industries, spurring the American workforce. In the global competition for these finite assets where trade restrictions continue to intensify, the US faces a pressing need to make strategic investments in resources.

China’s moves to dominate the critical mineral supply chain and its use of export restrictions as political leverage have prompted members of Congress to call on the Defence Department to invest in sea floor mining and collaborate with allies, partners and industry to secure access and ensure resource security.

Access to critical minerals is essential for national and economic security, supporting defence, infrastructure and technological systems. A secure supply chain ensures military readiness and economic prosperity.