Trump hosts mining CEOs for critical minerals

On August 7, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump convened executives from major mining companies at the State Department to advance the administration's critical minerals agenda. The meeting aimed to secure domestic and allied supplies of minerals such as rare earths, tungsten, germanium, and scandium, essential for defense manufacturing. The initiative is driven by the need to replenish weapons stockpiles depleted during the Iran conflict and reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains. Attendees included executives from Rio Tinto (corporation), BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, MP Materials, USA Rare Earth, Energy & Fuels, The Metals Company, Resolution Copper, American Ocean Minerals Corporation, Ivanhoe Mines, and Century Aluminum. The administration announced plans for deals and memorandums of understanding, and the Department of Energy announced $180 million in grants to support mining education. This event is part of broader efforts including a $12 billion strategic minerals stockpile and restrictions on defense contractors' use of Chinese supplies.