The U.

The U.S. is launching an aggressive strategy to break China's critical mineral monopoly through Project Vault, a $12 billion strategic reserve backed by a $10 billion EXIM Bank loan. A new 54-nation alliance called FORGE aims to create a preferential trade zone that protects Western miners from predatory pricing. While domestic producers like MP Materials and Albemarle are seeing initial benefits, experts warn full supply chain independence could take 5-10 years. The initiative targets reducing China's 90% control of rare earth processing and mitigating potential export restrictions that could disrupt high-tech and defense industries. This multipronged approach combines strategic stockpiling, multilateral trade collaboration, and direct investments to reshape global mineral supply dynamics.