Trump eyes Pentagon bases for critical minerals refining in bid to counter China

President Donald Trump is preparing to authorize metals refining facilities on military bases as part of a broader effort to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese-processed critical minerals, Reuters reported. The initiative, expected as part of an upcoming executive order, would task the Pentagon with installing processing plants on its bases in coordination with other federal agencies.

Trump’s plan seeks to address long-standing concerns over China’s dominance in the global supply chain of critical minerals essential for military hardware, including fighter jets, submarines, and ammunition. China currently processes many of the materials used in US defense systems, a vulnerability exacerbated by tensions between Washington and Beijing.

While the plan focuses on refining rather than mining, it avoids some of the political hurdles associated with opening new mines near civilian communities. The Pentagon controls roughly 30 million acres of land, which could provide ample space for refining facilities without the regulatory and local resistance faced by private industry. However, the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act still apply to military installations, raising questions about how the initiative would navigate existing environmental laws.

Unlike previous proposals, Trump’s order is not expected to include a critical minerals stockpile or a “Buy American” requirement mandating domestic sourcing. Instead, the plan will aim to expand the FAST-41 permitting process, originally designed to accelerate infrastructure projects.

The move comes as China has signaled a willingness to restrict mineral exports, a tactic that has heightened concerns in Washington about supply chain security. The administration is also considering naming a critical minerals czar to oversee governmentwide strategy. The executive order could be signed as soon as Wednesday.