US Accelerates Critical Mineral Project Permits to Boost Supply Chain Independence

US Critical Mineral

Critical Mineral Project permits

The US government is fast-tracking critical mineral project permits under a new federal initiative to expand domestic mineral production. This strategic move prioritizes lithium and copper projects vital to the country’s energy and defense supply chains.

The first 10 projects include ventures by Standard Lithium, Equinor, Albemarle, Rio Tinto, and BHP. These developments are in various permitting stages at both federal and state levels, aiming for quicker environmental reviews and project approvals.

National Energy Dominance Council to Oversee Permitting Process

President Donald Trump’s executive order, issued on 20 March, directs agencies to list projects for the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC). These projects will be added to the Federal Permitting Dashboard to ensure transparency in authorization timelines.

By 2 May, the first permitting schedules will go live on the dashboard. New projects will be added in coming weeks. The goal is to streamline timelines and reduce bureaucratic delays that have historically slowed down mine development.

Expanding the Scope of Critical Mineral Classification

The initiative covers all 50 critical minerals defined by the US Geological Survey (USGS), including lithium, rare earths, and graphite. However, it also includes other strategic materials like copper, uranium, gold, and potash, despite their exclusion from the USGS list.

This broader scope reflects growing demand across clean energy, semiconductor, and defense sectors. By prioritizing critical mineral project permits, the US aims to reduce foreign dependence and enhance national security.

 

The Metalnomist Commentary

The fast-tracking of critical mineral project permits reflects Washington’s urgency in reshoring vital mineral supply chains. If implemented efficiently, this initiative could redefine global mineral trade routes and industrial competitiveness.

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.

Chile Projects $83.2 Billion in Mining Investments Through 2033

Chile mining

Chile is poised to solidify its position as a global mining powerhouse with projected investments of $83.2 billion spanning 2024-2033.

Massive Investments in Mining Projects

The Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco) unveiled its latest study highlighting a significant increase in mining investments for the coming decade. The forecast includes 51 mining projects, up from 49 in the previous study for 2023-2032, which projected $65.7 billion in investments. This growth signals Chile's commitment to bolstering its mining sector and enhancing its global competitiveness.

Key players in Chile's mining expansion include major domestic entities like El Abra, Antofagasta, and state-run copper miner Codelco, which collectively account for 64.5% of the total investment. International stakeholders are also playing a vital role:

• Canadian companies such as Teck, Capstone Copper, Los Andes Copper, and Kinross will represent approximately 10% of investments.
• Japanese corporations, including Sumitomo Metals and Mitsubishi Corp, will contribute 5.7%.
• Australian firms, spearheaded by BHP Billiton, will make up 5.2%.

Copper Production and Diversification

The influx of capital is projected to increase Chile’s copper production capacity by 2.23 million metric tonnes annually, adding to the 5 million tonnes produced in 2023, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). This aligns with Chile’s status as the world’s largest copper producer.

Additionally, $4.7 billion of the investments will be allocated to 15 projects focusing on "metals other than copper," including lithium and gold. Chile already ranks as the world's second-largest producer of lithium, a critical material for batteries and renewable energy storage.

Driving Forces Behind the Investment Surge

This investment boom highlights Chile’s strategic approach to capitalizing on the global demand for essential minerals. Increased copper production will cater to infrastructure and green energy projects worldwide, while lithium investments target the surging electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

Cochilco’s report emphasizes the country’s appeal to global mining giants and underscores Chile’s robust regulatory framework and resource-rich landscape as key factors driving foreign investment.

US Aluminum Supply Dips in August 2024 Amid Import and Primary Production Declines

US Aluminum

The US aluminum market experienced a slight contraction in total supply during August 2024, primarily driven by reduced imports of crude metals and alloys, coupled with lower primary production figures. Data released by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reveals a 1.9% year-on-year decrease, with total supply reaching 716,000 metric tonnes (t), down from 730,000t in August 2023.

A significant factor contributing to this decline was a 15,000t drop in imports of crude metals and alloys, landing at 268,000t. Primary production also saw a decrease of 6,000t, settling at 56,000t. Secondary recovery from old scrap also experienced a decrease of 6,000t to 132,000t. However, an increase in secondary recovery using new scrap, up 13,000t to 166,000t, partially offset these losses.

Year-to-date figures for August show a similar trend, with total new aluminum supply totaling 6.05 million t, compared to 6.11 million t during the same period in 2023. While primary production fell from 504,000t to 452,000t year-to-date, a 134,000t increase in imports of plates, sheets, bars, and other aluminum products to 838,000t mitigated a more substantial year-to-date decline.

Consumption and Scrap Trends

Despite the supply dip, total metal consumption and metal recovery in August 2024 saw year-on-year increases of 7,000t and 6,000t, respectively. Independent mill fabricators played a key role in this growth, boosting consumption by 11,000t to 148,000t and metal recovery by 12,000t to 136,000t. Conversely, secondary smelters reported decreased consumption and metal recovery.

Total scrap melted or consumed in August 2024 reached 315,000t, a 20,000t increase from August 2023. This growth was entirely attributed to new scrap, which saw a 22,000t increase to 186,000t. Year-to-date August 2024 figures show a 140,000t increase in total aluminum melted or consumed, driven by both new and old scrap.

Secondary Alloy Output

Aluminum alloy production at secondary smelters experienced a year-to-date August decline of 37,000t to 722,000t. Notably, production of 380 alloy and its variations saw a 15,000t decrease.

Global Rare Earth Mining Rises in 2024, But Reserves Shrink Sharply

Rare Earth Mining

Slower output growth and falling reserves raise concerns for long-term supply security

Global rare earth element (REE) mining output increased by 3.7% in 2024, reaching approximately 390,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide (REO) equivalent, according to the latest US Geological Survey (USGS) data. However, global reserves fell 21% year-on-year to 90 million tonnes, raising concerns about the future availability of these critical materials.

This year's modest output growth came in contrast to the 25% jump in 2023, signaling a slowdown driven by production declines in Myanmar and Australia. In contrast, China, the US, Thailand, and Nigeria increased their contributions, with China once again dominating global supply.

China strengthens position as top supplier amid growing NEV demand

China accounted for 69% of global REE output in 2024 after raising its mining quotas to meet strong permanent magnet demand. This was followed by the United States (11.5%), Myanmar (8%), and Australia and Thailand (3.3% each). China's production push aligns with record-breaking new energy vehicle (NEV) output, a sector that consumes over one-third of all global permanent magnets.

According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China produced 12.888 million NEVs in 2024, a 34% increase from 2023. Sales climbed 36% to 12.866 million units, while NEV exports rose 6.7% to 1.284 million units. Despite growth, exports face headwinds from EU countervailing duties and tariffs imposed by the US and Canada.

Rare earth reserves fall as exploration lags behind demand

Global rare earth reserves dropped by 21%, primarily due to declining estimates in Vietnam and Russia. Small increases in reserves in South Africa and the US were not enough to offset broader depletion. As demand from the electric vehicle and clean tech sectors accelerates, the widening gap between production and reserve replacement may pose strategic supply risks.

The permanent magnet sector, which consumes nearly half of all rare earths, will remain a key driver of REE demand. As global adoption of electric vehicles surges, rare earth supply chains must adapt to avoid long-term shortages.

Codelco SQM Lithium Deal Approved by Chile’s Antitrust Authority, Paving Way for JV Control

Codelco-SQM

Chile's antitrust regulator FNE has approved the Codelco SQM lithium deal, a pivotal step toward consolidating state influence over one of the world’s most valuable lithium assets. The Codelco SQM lithium deal gives state-owned copper giant Codelco a path to majority control of the Atacama salt flat operations, currently run by lithium producer SQM.

Global Approvals Advance, Final Hurdles Remain in Chile

The deal has already received green lights from regulators in Brazil, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union. Only China’s approval remains pending. However, for full execution, the transaction must also be cleared by Chile’s nuclear energy commission (CCHEN) and the national development agency Corfo, which is conducting community consultations with indigenous stakeholders in the region.

Codelco aims to finalize the joint venture in the second half of 2025. Under the agreement, Codelco will acquire a 51% controlling interest in the Atacama lithium operations beginning in 2031, when SQM’s current mining lease expires.

Atacama: The World’s Richest Lithium Reserve

Chile holds the world’s largest known lithium reserves, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Most of these resources lie in the Atacama salt flat, a globally strategic asset for electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chains. The Codelco SQM lithium deal signals Chile’s long-term strategy to exert greater control over critical minerals while maintaining foreign investment through partnerships.

As the global lithium market becomes increasingly geopolitically sensitive, Chile’s model offers a blend of state participation and private sector efficiency—providing stability while advancing national resource policy.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Codelco SQM lithium deal marks a defining moment in Chile’s shift toward strategic resource nationalism. With the Atacama salt flat under partial state control, Chile positions itself as a central player in the global clean energy transition, balancing national interests with commercial partnerships.

US Flags 10 New Mining Projects for Fast-Tracked Permitting Under Critical Minerals Push

U.S Critical Minerals Mining

US critical minerals permitting accelerates with second wave of fast-tracked projects

The US government has added 10 new mining and metals projects to its expedited permitting initiative to boost domestic critical mineral supply. Overseen by the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, the selected projects include copper, nickel, lithium, uranium, and vanadium developments across Minnesota, New Mexico, and Nevada. Each project is at a different stage in the federal and state permitting pipeline.

Projects span key materials vital to energy, defense, and manufacturing

The newly flagged projects include NewRange's NorthMet copper-nickel project in Minnesota, Energy Fuels’ Roca Honda uranium and vanadium project in New Mexico, and 3PL’s Railroad Valley lithium exploration project in Nevada. These projects will soon appear on the Permitting Council’s dashboard with their respective timelines, providing more transparency and predictability in the permitting process. This is a critical step toward advancing long-term mineral security.

Federal push aligns with broader energy dominance and reshoring agenda

The US critical minerals permitting effort is part of a broader initiative to limit foreign dependence and enhance national security. President Trump’s March executive order instructed federal agencies to identify pending mining projects across 50 USGS-listed critical minerals and additional strategic materials like uranium, copper, potash, and gold. The Permitting Council plans to continue selecting more qualifying projects in the coming months to support reshoring and energy independence goals.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The expanded US critical minerals permitting list highlights a policy shift toward streamlined approvals for strategic mining projects. As geopolitical competition intensifies, these actions could reshape global supply chains by fostering domestic sourcing and reducing exposure to import disruptions.

US Aluminum Supply Flat in November as Plate, Sheet and Bar Imports Surge

US Aluminum

Secondary Smelters Cut Output While New Scrap Drives Melting Growth

US aluminum supply remained virtually unchanged year-over-year in November 2024, totaling 699,000 metric tonnes (t), according to the latest US Geological Survey (USGS) data. Although overall supply edged up by just 1,000t compared to November 2023, imports of aluminum plate, sheet, and bar surged by 36%, supporting stability in the market.

The only supply category to show a year-on-year increase was plate, sheet, and bar imports, which rose by 29,000t to 110,000t. In contrast, crude aluminum metals and alloy imports declined by 14,000t to 263,000t, while domestic primary production dipped by 6,000t to 55,000t. This trend signals continued reliance on semi-fabricated imports amid weaker domestic output.

Secondary Smelters Lead Drop in Consumption and Recovery

Total aluminum consumption in November fell by 8,000t to 335,000t. Metal recovery dropped in tandem, falling 7,000t to 271,000t. Secondary smelters led the decline, reducing consumption by 5,000t to 205,000t and recovery by 4,000t to 153,000t. Independent mill fabricators also reduced consumption and recovery by 3,000t each.

However, year-to-date trends showed modest gains. Total aluminum consumption and recovery both rose by 50,000t in the first 11 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 3.93 million tonnes and 3.21 million tonnes, respectively.

New Scrap Supports Melting Increases Despite Alloy Production Drop

Scrap utilization also shifted notably. In November, total aluminum scrap melted or consumed rose to 288,000t, up 4,000t from a year earlier. New scrap drove this increase, rising by 7,000t to 187,000t, while old scrap declined by 3,000t to 116,000t.

Cumulative data from January through November 2024 show total aluminum melted or consumed hit 3.399 million tonnes, up from 3.21 million tonnes a year earlier. New scrap increased by 159,000t, while old scrap rose by 30,000t.

Nevertheless, aluminum alloy production at secondary smelters fell. November’s total dropped by 3,400t to 91,400t. Production of 380 alloy and its variations declined 2,700t to 17,600t, while wrought alloys and extrusion billets rose slightly by 700t to 61,900t. Year-to-date alloy output fell by 43,000t, led by a 23,000t drop in 380 alloy production.

Rhenium Deficit Persists, Boosting Recycling Prospects

Rhenium Recycling

Rhenium, a rare metal critical for aerospace, medical, and catalyst applications, is facing a growing supply deficit, driving prices to new highs. As demand continues to surge, particularly from the aerospace and medical sectors, the need for rhenium is expected to increase further, creating a shortage that could significantly impact long-term contracts and stockpiles. The rising costs and limited supply of primary rhenium have prompted a renewed focus on recycling, with many buyers turning to secondary sources to secure supplies.

Strong Demand Drives Price Surge

Over the past few months, rhenium prices have seen a sharp rise, with strong demand from aerospace and medical applications leading the charge. From late June to early September 2024, prices surged in major markets including the U.S., Europe, and China. Although prices have stabilized recently, consumers, especially in the aerospace sector, are becoming more concerned with availability rather than the spot price. Rhenium producers have reported depleted stockpiles, exacerbating the ongoing supply squeeze.

A major contributing factor to the shortage has been the dramatic increase in Chinese rhenium imports, with China importing over 26 tons of rhenium from Chile in 2023—about one-third of the world’s annual output. This surge is linked to China’s efforts to boost its aviation engine technology and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for both civil and military aircraft.

Medical Sector Adds to Growing Demand

Rhenium’s role in medical implants has also become a significant driver of demand. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the molybdenum-rhenium (Mo-50Re) alloy in medical implants in August 2024, marking a breakthrough that could replace cobalt-chromium and titanium-based materials in various implants. The medical sector’s rhenium demand is expected to range from 10 to 20 tons over the next two years, further tightening the already constrained supply. While the medical market in China remains uncertain, the country’s growing consumption in this field could add pressure to global supply chains.

Supply Constraints and the Need for Recycling

Rhenium’s supply is highly inelastic, meaning it cannot quickly adjust to changes in demand. The metal is primarily extracted as a by-product of copper and molybdenum sulphide concentrates, and its production process is complex and costly. As a result, it is difficult to ramp up production quickly in response to spikes in demand, and with long-term contracts already accounting for most of the world’s rhenium output, spot sales are limited.

With limited primary supply available, many consumers in the aerospace and medical sectors are now turning to secondary materials. Rhenium recycling has emerged as a viable solution in an environment of rising prices. According to James Peer, director of Maritime House, recycling serves as a natural hedge in a market with an unreliable primary supply. Dandy Roh, CEO of DongASpecialMetal, also confirmed that with prices on the rise, recycling is becoming increasingly attractive.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that approximately 25,000 kg of secondary rhenium was produced worldwide in 2023, reflecting growing interest in recycled material. However, despite the potential for recycling to ease supply pressures, there is no direct substitute for rhenium in many of its critical applications, particularly in superalloys and catalysts. This lack of alternatives compounds the challenges posed by the supply crunch.

Future Outlook: Higher Prices and Potential Substitutes

Given the continued supply constraints, rhenium prices are expected to rise further. However, prices would need to increase significantly before end-users consider switching to substitute materials. While alternatives such as gallium, germanium, and indium are being evaluated for use in rhenium catalysts, they are not yet seen as viable substitutes in superalloys. Consequently, the increasing demand for rhenium across various sectors suggests that the metal’s value will continue to rise, reinforcing the case for recycling as a key strategy to mitigate supply risks.

As rhenium prices continue to climb, recycling will likely play an essential role in meeting the growing demand, providing a necessary hedge for industries dependent on this critical metal.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Deep Sea Mining for Critical Minerals

Trump, Critical Minerals

New Policy Aims to Boost U.S. Access to Nickel, Cobalt, and Manganese

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to fast-track seabed exploration and mining for critical minerals. The order challenges the authority of the United Nations' International Seabed Authority (ISA) over international waters.

The directive instructs the Secretary of Commerce to speed up exploration and commercial recovery permits under the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Resources Act (DSHMR). Currently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued four exploration licenses but no commercial permits.

The executive order also mandates mapping potential mineral reserves along the seabed.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) highlighted areas rich in nickel, cobalt, and manganese in a recent report.

Industry Response and International Tensions Grow

Canada-based The Metals Company confirmed plans to apply for a commercial deep-sea mining license in the Pacific in 2025. However, tensions are rising as China's Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. move, defending the ISA's jurisdiction.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), signed in 1994, governs deep sea mining regulations. Yet, commercial regulations remain pending, leaving U.S.-issued permits potentially unrecognized by UNCLOS member states.

Environmental concerns persist.

Fauna and Flora, an environmental non-profit, warned that deep-sea mining could release stored marine carbon, offsetting climate gains.

As the demand for battery minerals intensifies, deep-sea mining's legal and environmental battles are expected to escalate.

Aclara Expands Rare Earth Resources in Brazil

Chile-based rare earth explorer Aclara Resources has significantly bolstered its mineral resources at its Carina project in Brazil, reporting a 77% increase. The updated inferred mineral resource now stands at 298 million metric tonnes, a substantial rise from the 168 million tonnes estimated in December, the company announced today.

Aclara also reported a notable 69% increase in the contained amounts of magnetic elements, with significant growth in heavy rare earths such as dysprosium and terbium (DyTb), as well as light rare earths neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr).

Located in Brazil’s central Goias state, the Carina module is poised for further development, with plans to establish a semi-industrial pilot plant by the second quarter of next year. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Brazil is home to some of the world’s largest rare earth reserves.

Aclara Resources specializes in heavy rare earth mineral resources found in Ion-Adsorption clay deposits. The company’s development projects include the Penco module in Chile’s Bio-Bio region and the Carina module in Brazil.

South Star Begins Graphite Production in Brazil Amid Growing Battery Market Demand

South Star

Canadian battery-metals company South Star has launched graphite production at its Santa Cruz project in Bahia, Brazil, with its first shipment set to leave by the end of October. The company produced an initial one metric tonne of graphite concentrate after completing the project's first phase, a milestone in South Star’s mission to become a leading supplier of battery-grade graphite amid growing demand from electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

Scaling to Meet Future Demand

The Santa Cruz project, which initially targets a nameplate capacity of 12,000 metric tons per year (t/yr), is set to undergo multiple expansion phases to scale output as market demand rises. The second phase, slated for 2026, is expected to bring production to 25,000t/yr, with a final phase aiming for 50,000t/yr by 2028. “As the markets and clients need more material, we are committed to meeting that demand,” said South Star’s CEO Richard Pearce, emphasizing the company’s strategy to deliver reliable, high-quality graphite concentrate to clients worldwide.

Brazil holds an advantageous position in the graphite industry, possessing one of the largest reserves globally, with an estimated 74 million tons of natural graphite, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). In addition to its Santa Cruz project, South Star operates a graphite project in Alabama, aiming to develop a diversified, multi-asset portfolio in key markets for battery metals.

Global Aerospace-Grade Titanium Sponge Supply Expands Despite Japanese Slowdown

Titanium Sponge

Higher utilization in Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia offsets Japan’s decline as China eyes industrial market growth

Global Titanium Sponge Output Rises in 2024

Titanium sponge production from aerospace-approved suppliers grew in 2024, reaching 89,000 metric tons — a 6% increase from 2023. This rise came despite a production decline in Japan, which was balanced by higher capacity utilization in Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and industry data confirm this upward trend, driven primarily by strategic expansion in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Japan's production fell to 55,000t in 2024, down from 57,000t in 2023. Inventory adjustments by domestic aerospace consumers were the primary cause. In contrast, Saudi Arabia's AMIC-Toho Titanium Metal ramped up output to 15,000t, nearing its 15,600 t/year capacity. Kazakhstan also maintained high utilization levels, strengthening its role as a stable sponge supplier for critical aerospace applications.

China Expands Industrial Market Footprint

While China’s titanium sponge remains unqualified for aerospace, its influence in industrial markets surged in 2024. Chinese production held steady at 220,000t, but capacity climbed to as much as 320,000 t/year, according to market participants. Japan’s imports of unwrought titanium from China rose sharply — from 451t in 2023 to 1,198t in 2024 — suggesting increased acceptance of Chinese sponge and ingot in industrial-grade production.

China’s growing presence is reshaping competition, particularly in Japan, where CP-grade metal demand dominates. Although Chinese sponge lacks aerospace certification, Metalnomist understands that select U.S. buyers are testing small volumes for future qualification — despite ongoing tariff uncertainties. The U.S. imported 1,068t of sponge from China in 2024, up from 154t the year before.

U.S. Aerospace Demand Softens Amid Boeing Constraints

U.S. titanium sponge imports from Japan declined in 2024 to 27,692t, down from 31,387t in 2023. This contraction reflects softer demand from American ingot melters due to lower-than-expected build rates for Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and 737 Max programs. Persistent supply chain challenges further impacted intake, signaling a temporary slowdown in titanium conversion activity for aerospace.

Despite this, global titanium sponge markets remain dynamic. Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia continue to play a vital role in balancing supply, while China's push into the industrial sector could eventually redefine global sourcing strategies.