The Trump administration has adopted a new strategy to secure the US’s critical mineral and semiconductor supply chains: converting government grants into company shares.
This step was taken to reduce dependence on China and increase domestic capacity in electric vehicles, defense systems, and advanced technology production.
A New Era of Strategic Investments
The Trump administration is attracting attention with its plans to acquire direct shares in some firms in the mining and technology sectors.
This approach represents a shift from classic incentive policies to a new industrial model based on direct ownership.- Critical Metals (CRML.O): The US administration is considering acquiring an 8% stake in the Tanbreez rare earth project in Greenland. This project is seen as a strategic asset in the Arctic region, which President Trump has wanted to buy in the past.
- Lithium Americas (LAC.TO): Washington acquired a 5% stake in the company’s parent company and in the Thacker Pass lithium mine, which it co-owns with General Motors. This project in Nevada is central to the US’s goal of producing its own domestic batteries.
- MP Materials (MP.N): With the support of the Department of Defense (DoD), a 15% stake was acquired, investing in the US’s only rare earth mine. This move made Las Vegas-based MP Materials the government’s most notable mining investment.
- USA Rare Earth (USAR.O): Discussions with the administration are ongoing. The company plans to begin commercial operation in 2026 by establishing a rare earth mine in Texas and a magnet manufacturing plant in Oklahoma.
- Intel Corp (INTC.O): The US government acquired a 9.9% stake in the tech giant. This investment aims to strengthen the US’s technological independence by supporting domestic chip production.
This move by the Trump administration is seen as a signal of a new era that integrates national security with economic strategy.
