US President Donald Trump’s promise of large investments in sectors considered “strategic” for national security has spurred critical mining companies into action. Lithium, copper, rare earth elements, and geothermal energy firms have begun conducting strong lobbying efforts in Washington.
According to Reuters’ review of public records and interviews with industry officials, at least 12 companies have signed contracts with major lobbying firms since the beginning of the year. The aim is; to gain access to federal funds, ease of permitting, and long-term supply guarantees.
“When the U.S. government started distributing funds this year, all mining sectors started saying ‘what about us?’” says analyst Ken Hoffman from Red Cloud Securities.
Washington’s New Strategy: Government Partnership
The White House, Unlike its past subsidy-focused policy, it is now moving towards a state-owned partnership model in companies like MP Materials and Lithium Americas. The aim is to counterbalance China’s dominance in critical minerals.
This change quickly boosted sector stocks.
For example, the Sprott Lithium Miners ETF has gained more than 35% in value in the last month.Lobbying Collaboration with Powerful Figures
Ballard Partners, led by Brian Ballard, known for his closeness to Trump, and The Bernhardt Group, founded by former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, have made lobbying agreements with numerous mining companies.
Lithium Americas, July In 2015, it reached an agreement with Guidepost Strategies to give Washington a 5% stake and in return gained access to a $2.26 billion loan.
Critical Metals Corp is conducting potential partnership talks with the US government for a rare earth deposit in Greenland. “The West’s limited access to rare earth elements makes it even more important to keep us on the agenda of U.S. decision-makers,” said the company’s president, Tony Sage.
Pentagon and Government Support Increases
United States Antimony won a $245 million Pentagon contract for mining operations in Alaska and Montana. CEO Gary Evans said lobbying is vital in terms of “telling the legislature what they are doing.”
Giants like BHP Minerals and Korea Zinc are also lobbying Washington on critical mineral trade and seabed production.
The New Front of Geopolitical Competition
Critical minerals are no longer just a raw material, but a geopolitical power tool.
The US is directing its energy transition and defense industry investments towards these resources to limit China’s global dominance.“It is essential to explain to members of Congress what we are doing,” said NioCorp executive Jim Sims, stating that his company is expecting $10 million in support and $800 million in loan approval from the Pentagon.
