Critical Minerals Security Program

The Critical Minerals Security Program is a groundbreaking initiative providing leadership as the United States races to build the resilient minerals supply chains needed for national, economic, and energy security.

The United States cannot maintain its position as a national security and energy leader without reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for key critical minerals. This will require a new approach–one that is market-led, environmentally and socially responsible, builds capacity in both production and processing, and works with allies while also forging new geopolitical alliances with resource-rich Global South countries. The Critical Minerals Security Program will build upon CSIS’s longstanding work with policymakers on both sides of the aisle to support market-led efforts to expand production, processing, and recycling capacities to improve domestic and global security. With a new paradigm, the United States can enable its diplomats, policymakers, and private sector actors to develop a secure supply chain and meet the mineral needs of the 21st century.

This program is made possible through general support to CSIS and the CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program.

 

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Photo: Shuo/Adobe Stock

Photo: Shuo/Adobe Stock

From Mine to Microchip

The United States relies on China and Russia for minerals used in semiconductors, posing a clear national security risk. While the CHIPS Act has built downstream U.S. capacity, upstream incentives are needed to secure materials for the next generation of advanced chips.

Brief by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — October 7, 2024

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From Mine to Microchip

The United States relies on China and Russia for minerals used in semiconductors, posing a clear national security risk. While the CHIPS Act has built downstream U.S. capacity, upstream incentives are needed to secure materials for the next generation of advanced chips.

Brief by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — October 7, 2024

Partnering with Middle Eastern Countries to Boost U.S. Minerals Security

Current critical minerals initiatives are insufficient and exclude a key region: the Middle East. The United States should pursue mineral partnerships with Gulf Cooperation Council nations to reduce national security risks posed by China-dominated supply chains.

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran — September 6, 2024

Audio Briefs

China’s Antimony Export Restrictions: The Impact on U.S. National Security

An audio version of “China’s Antimony Export Restrictions: The Impact on U.S. National Security,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS’s Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — August 20, 2024

Audio Briefs
Audio Briefs

Diversifying Investment in Indonesia’s Mining Sector

An audio version of “Diversifying Investment in Indonesia’s Mining Sector,” a new commentary by CSIS’s Gracelin Baskaran. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Gracelin Baskaran — July 16, 2024

Audio Briefs

Diversifying Investment in Indonesia’s Mining Sector

The United States and Indonesia should strengthen bilateral investment and trade in responsibly sourced nickel and copper.This can help reduce Indonesia's reliance on China and strengthen U.S. supply chain security, since it has less than 1 percent of the world's nickel.

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran — July 11, 2024