U.S. Accelerates Permits for Lithium and Copper Projects to Boost Critical Mineral Supply

USGS

New federal initiative backs 10 strategic projects under Trump’s domestic mining push

The United States government has launched an aggressive effort to expedite permits for critical mineral production, selecting 10 high-impact projects for priority review. These projects include key lithium and copper sites in Nevada, Arizona, and Arkansas.

Federal officials are working to streamline environmental reviews and approvals, aiming to reduce America’s dependence on foreign mineral imports. The initiative follows President Donald Trump's executive order from March 20, directing agencies to support mineral self-sufficiency by fast-tracking projects listed by the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC).

Notably, selected ventures include Standard Lithium and Equinor’s South West Arkansas lithium site, Albemarle’s Silver Peak operation in Nevada, and the Rio Tinto–BHP Resolution Copper project in Arizona. These projects vary in development stages but share strategic value in bolstering the domestic supply of energy-critical metals.

The Federal Permitting Dashboard will track and publish permitting schedules for these projects, increasing transparency and setting clearer timelines for developers. The U.S. Geological Survey’s list of 50 critical minerals informs the selection, though minerals like copper, uranium, potash, and gold are also included in the effort.

This push highlights Washington’s recognition that a secure and resilient critical minerals supply chain is essential to economic stability, national defense, and the transition to clean energy.