What Is Trump’s Project Vault? Critical Minerals Plan Explained

Project Vault is a $12 billion U.S. critical minerals stockpile initiative launched by Donald Trump in 2026 to secure supply chains and reduce dependence on foreign imports.

In early February 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced “Project Vault,” a $12 billion initiative to establish a U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve aimed at reducing reliance on foreign sources and strengthening domestic supply chains for minerals essential to manufacturing and national security. The project combines public and private financing to procure and stockpile metals such as rare earths, copper, and cobalt.

Key Facts

• Trump unveiled Project Vault in February 2026 as a stockpile of strategic critical minerals.
• The reserve is backed by $10 billion in Export-Import Bank loans and $2 billion in private investment.
• It targets minerals used in technology, batteries, aerospace, and defense industries.
• Project Vault is designed to decrease U.S. dependence on Chinese mineral supplies.

Main Development

Project Vault establishes the United States Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve, which Trump said is meant to ensure U.S. businesses and workers “are never harmed by any shortage.” Unlike the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the critical minerals stockpile focuses on materials that underpin electric vehicles, semiconductors, advanced weaponry, and industrial goods. The initiative is structured as a public-private partnership with financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and private sector partners.

Supply Chain and Strategic Goals

The project reflects broader U.S. efforts to shield domestic manufacturing from supply disruptions and geopolitical leverage, notably China’s dominant role in mining and processing rare earth and critical minerals. By stockpiling essential metals, the administration aims to stabilize supply routes for manufacturers and reduce vulnerability to external market volatility.

Market and Policy Implications

Analysts have noted Project Vault could influence global commodity markets, affecting price dynamics and investment incentives. While the stockpile may support U.S. industry, questions remain about implementation details, sourcing strategies, and long-term effects on inflation and international trade relations.

source: businessinsider