Washington, Feb 3 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump unveiled the establishment of the 'US Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve,' marking it as the inaugural civilian stockpile of essential minerals aimed at safeguarding American industries amid supply disruptions.

"Today, we're launching the US Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve, the first-ever stockpile of critical minerals that has been much discussed," Trump stated during a signing ceremony attended by Cabinet members, legislators, and industry executives, including General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Ivanhoe Mines founder Robert Friedland.

The President emphasized that this initiative, termed Project Vault, is designed to avoid shortages that could impact US manufacturers and workers. "Today, we're initiating what will be known as Project Vault to ensure that American businesses and workers remain unaffected by any shortages," he proclaimed.

He positioned this initiative as a broadening of the US strategy towards stockpiling resources. "Just as we have long maintained a strategic petroleum reserve and a stockpile for national defense, we are now creating this reserve for American industries to eliminate potential issues," Trump articulated.

Export-Import Bank Chairman John Yovanovitch mentioned that Trump issued a clear directive, which he described as more of an order, to establish the reserve for the first time in American history, focusing on supporting the nonmilitary manufacturing sector. He added that the structure of the reserve would ensure it is not subsidized by American taxpayers.

The financing plan includes $10 billion in Export-Import Bank funding along with $2 billion from the private sector, with Trump asserting, "We anticipate the American taxpayer will even profit from the interest on the loan utilized to initiate Project Vault."

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum praised Trump for accelerating mining approvals and international agreements. He remarked, "Just like 'drill, baby, drill,' you said 'mine, baby, mine,'" adding that this week, 11 additional countries would be announced as joining the global coalition, with 20 more nations expressing interest.

Barra highlighted the importance of a robust supply chain for the US economy, particularly for the automotive sector. "A resilient supply chain is vital for our nation and all industries, especially the auto industry," she noted, expressing optimism about consumer strength leading into 2026.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent connected the project to national strategy, stating, "Economic security equates to national security," and emphasized that sovereignty is compromised without control over critical minerals.

Critical minerals encompass a wide range of raw materials utilized in advanced manufacturing, energy systems, electronics, and defense supply chains. They have increasingly become a focal point in US-India and broader global economic-security diplomacy.

The United States has historically maintained strategic reserves, including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, while recent discussions among policymakers have underscored the risks associated with concentrated supply chains, particularly those linked to China.