Pentagon Plans for Critical Mineral Stockpiles Amidst China's Rare Earth Export Controls
The Pentagon is developing plans to stockpile critical minerals, fuel, and munitions on U.S. soil to ensure operational continuity during a major conflict, even if domestic factories and power grids are disrupted. This initiative, known as FORTRESS America, was formally established on September 30. It aims to protect supplies within the United States, reflecting concerns that American factories could become targets. The U.S. produces less than 1% of the most common type of rare-earth magnet it uses, and China, which dominates critical mineral processing, has repeatedly tightened rare-earth export controls, leaving American companies struggling for supply. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently pressed Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to fulfill commitments on rare earths and other critical minerals.
