Trump seeks boost in critical minerals

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered the government to boost production of critical minerals used for manufacturing everything from smartphones to wind turbines and cars, raising the prospect of more mining.

The order directs federal agencies to find ways to increase exploration, mining and processing of critical minerals and streamline permits for private mining companies.

The order follows a report Tuesday that says the United States is reliant on China, Russia and other nations for the overwhelming majority of minerals such as platinum, manganese and rare-earth elements. A majority of all but two of 23 minerals identified as critical are produced by other nations, the report said.

Most of the minerals identified as critical are produced in China, including virtually all of the rare-earth elements integral to high-end electronics. The U.S. has reserves of rare-earth elements in California and other Western states, but has been “undercut” by low production costs in China, the federal report said.

Despite the presence of significant domestic deposits of most critical minerals, U.S. mining companies are limited by a lack of comprehensive data concerning mineral supplies and geology, permitting delays and “the potential for protracted litigation regarding permits that are issued,” the White House said.