Trump gathers mining CEOs as US pushes critical minerals for weapons
Why it matters: The White House wants rare earths, tungsten and other inputs to rebuild missile and air-defense stockpiles and cut reliance on China.
President Donald Trump is set to meet Friday at the State Department with executives from major mining companies as his administration steps up a drive to secure critical minerals for defense supply chains. The effort comes as the United States seeks to rebuild weapons inventories drawn down during the five-month Iran war and reduce dependence on Chinese mineral processing. Companies expected at the event include Rio Tinto, BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, Energy Fuels and The Metals Company. The administration also plans to roll out several deals and memorandums of understanding and to address shortages of engineers, geologists, miners and technicians needed to expand domestic production.