‘Mineral Diplomacy’: Trump Looks for a Win in the High-Stakes Battle for Vital Global Resources | The New York Sun

Key Aspects of Trump's Mineral Diplomacy

The article details President Trump's 'mineral diplomacy' initiative, a foreign policy strategy centered on securing critical minerals and metals essential for modern technology and defense. This strategy involves forging partnerships with various countries to gain access to vital resources and reduce reliance on China.

Ukraine Deal and Challenges

A landmark deal between the US and Ukraine establishes a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund, utilizing Ukraine's natural resources for post-war rebuilding. While hailed as a strategic win, challenges remain due to Russian occupation of mineral-rich areas and widespread landmines hindering extraction.

• The deal does not require Ukraine to fully repay previous US military aid.
• Concerns exist about the deal potentially blurring the line between economic support and geopolitical pressure.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The DRC's mineral wealth, particularly cobalt and lithium, is another focus. Erik Prince, a Trump ally, has brokered a deal to help secure and tax DRC's resources, though the deal's implementation is complicated by ongoing rebel conflicts. The US is exploring a minerals-for-security partnership with the DRC to counter China's influence in the region.

• The deal's implementation is affected by ongoing conflicts and the control of Goma by rebel forces.
• The US aims to challenge China's dominance over cobalt and copper production in the DRC.

Canada and Greenland

The US's interest in Canada and Greenland's significant mineral reserves is also highlighted. Canada's vast resources have attracted attention, and Greenland's rare earth elements are seen as crucial. The focus is on establishing responsible economic partnerships, while past discussions of acquisition are now less prominent.

Addressing Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The strategy addresses US dependency on China for rare earth elements, a critical vulnerability for national security and various industries. Trump's executive orders aim to boost domestic production, streamline permitting, and leverage military bases for mineral processing, including exploring deep-sea mining options. This approach however has faced condemnation from environmental groups and Democratic lawmakers.

• Executive orders aim to fast-track domestic production and reduce reliance on China.
• Concerns remain about the environmental impact of deep-sea mining.

Criticisms and Risks

Critics warn about potential downsides, including the need to address corruption and conflict in mineral-rich regions. The long-term success depends on trust, political will, and commitment, to avoid China gaining an upper hand. The risk of US military involvement in securing mineral resources is also highlighted, with potential for entanglements in conflicts.