Pentagon's FORTRESS America Initiative Faces Critical Mineral Supply Challenges
The Pentagon has launched the FORTRESS America initiative, aiming to stockpile critical minerals, fuel, and munitions domestically to ensure U.S. forces can operate during a major conflict, even if cyberattacks or sabotage disrupt domestic infrastructure. This effort is described as being on par with the Department of Defense's Cold War-era pursuits, but with a focus on domestic reserves rather than overseas stockpiles. A significant hurdle for the program is the U.S.'s heavy reliance on foreign supply chains for raw materials, particularly critical minerals. For instance, the U.S. produces less than 1% of the most common type of rare-earth magnet it uses, with China dominating the processing of many such minerals. China has previously restricted rare-earth exports, impacting American companies. New federal rules effective January 1, 2027, will prohibit defense contractors from purchasing rare earths, magnets, and tungsten from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, though waivers have been granted due to i...
