Critical Minerals

The Critical Minerals Security Program aims to provide policy and thought leadership as the United States races to build the resilient minerals supply chains needed for national, economic, and energy security.

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Photo: Farah Nosh/Getty Images

Photo: Farah Nosh/Getty Images

The Geostrategic Importance of Alaska to the U.S.-Japan Alliance

Alaska’s geostrategic importance to the U.S.-Japan alliance is growing. Japan Chair Adjunct Fellow Shoichi Itoh analyzes how Alaska supports the economic security of both countries against the backdrop of great power rivalry.

Commentary by Shoichi Itoh — May 12, 2025

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The Consequences of China’s New Rare Earths Export Restrictions

China has imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements and magnets in retaliation for new U.S. tariffs. These materials are vital to defense technologies, but the United States is entirely dependent on China for their supply.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — April 14, 2025

Reviving Cobre Panamá Could Be Strategic to U.S. Minerals Security

The shutdown of Cobre Panamá —one of the world's largest copper mines—amid political upheaval has disrupted global copper supply and hurt Panama's economy. U.S. diplomatic support to negotiations could help revive the mine and secure a stable, allied copper supply chain.

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran and Paula Reynal — April 8, 2025

Unpacking Trump’s New Critical Minerals Executive Order

President Trump signed an EO to accelerate domestic minerals production for national security. The EO sets swift timelines to expedite permitting, deploy Defense Production Act funds through the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and identify priority projects.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — March 21, 2025

The Truth of the Matter

Intelligence and Subversion in Ukraine

CSIS’s Seth Jones, director of the Defense and Security Department, joins the podcast to discuss recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war and the status of peace negotiations.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Seth G. Jones — March 7, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter

Book Launch: Critical Minerals and the Future of the U.S. Economy

Join the CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program for the launch of a new policy book, Critical Minerals and the Future of the of the U.S. Economy. This event feature a discussion around policy recommendations for the most pressing challenges facing minerals security.

Event — February 27, 2025

The Truth of the Matter

Ukraine Minerals Deal Explained

CSIS’s Gracelin Baskaran breaks down the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, its security risks, and global implications. She also compares it to China’s mineral diplomacy and previews her upcoming book on U.S. supply chain security.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Gracelin Baskaran — February 26, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter

Assessing the Viability of a U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal

As the United States and Ukraine reach a framework agreement on mineral resources, CSIS's Gracelin Baskaran examines the key issues around the viability of a deal.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — February 21, 2025