President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ramping up domestic production of critical minerals, including uranium, copper, potash, gold, and potentially coal, CNBC reported.

Key Directive Details

According to a White House official, Trump has instructed federal agencies to compile a list of mineral extraction projects and expedite their review in coordination with the National Energy Dominance Council, led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.

The executive order also directs the Department of the Interior to prioritize mineral development on federal lands. The official added that Secretary Burgum may determine whether other resources—such as coal—fall under the scope of the order.

Additionally, the administration plans to invoke the Defense Production Act to increase mineral output, the official said.

Reducing Import Dependence

According to U.S. Geological Survey data, the United States imported:

• 46% of its copper,
• 91% of its potash, a key fertilizer used in agriculture,
• And, as per the Energy Information Administration, 99% of the uranium concentrate used to produce fuel for nuclear reactors in 2023.

The new directive is aimed at reducing U.S. dependence on foreign imports of these strategic materials.