On Friday, the White House declared the authorization of additional mining projects, aligning with President Donald Trump’s commitment to reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources for essential elements vital to U.S. defense and manufacturing.
The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) revealed the second set of critical mineral production projects designated as FAST-41 transparency initiatives, according to a press release from the White House.
These initiatives mark the second phase of critical mineral projects that have been granted visibility on the Federal Permitting Dashboard, following President Trump’s Executive Order aimed at enhancing American mineral production.
Manisha Patel, the Acting Executive Director of the Permitting Council, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the portfolio of essential mineral production initiatives with this new batch. She emphasized that the visibility these projects will gain through the Federal Permitting Dashboard will be revolutionary, enabling both government and industry stakeholders to monitor their advancement and fostering a degree of accountability in environmental assessments that is frequently lacking in conventional procedures.
The chairperson of the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC) has submitted a second set of essential mineral production initiatives to the acting executive director of the Permitting Council, in accordance with Trump’s executive order.
The NEDC had previously submitted an initial set of 10 projects on April 4, 2025, which were subsequently incorporated into the Federal Permitting Dashboard on April 18, 2025. This second set aims to enhance FAST-41 transparency for significant mineral projects, with additional submissions anticipated in the upcoming weeks, as stated by the White House.
The progress of new mining initiatives in the United States follows a recent agreement between Washington and Kyiv, established last week, regarding the sharing of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. These minerals are essential for the manufacturing of highly sensitive military components in the U.S., although the market is predominantly controlled by China.
Ukrainian Economy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko visited Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to finalize the agreement, which she signed alongside U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. ‘On behalf of the Government of Ukraine, I signed the Agreement on the Establishment of a United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.
In collaboration with the United States, we are creating a Fund that will draw global investment into our nation,’ she stated on X.
Upon assuming office, Trump stated that he would link ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine to access to its rare-earth resources, presenting it as compensation for the billions in military assistance provided by the U.S. Negotiations stalled following a heated meeting in the Oval Office between officials from the Trump administration and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported by Fox News.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the new agreement will establish a United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund aimed at facilitating Ukraine’s economic recovery.
This agreement clearly indicates to Russia that the Trump Administration is dedicated to a long-term peace process focused on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine,” Bessent stated. “President Trump envisioned a partnership between the American and Ukrainian peoples to demonstrate both parties’ commitment to enduring peace and prosperity in Ukraine.
Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that no state or individual that has financed or supported the Russian military will be permitted to benefit from Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The United States is actively seeking access to over 20 raw materials considered strategically important to its national interests, including essential non-mineral resources such as oil and natural gas.
Among the targeted resources are Ukraine’s titanium reserves, which are crucial for aircraft manufacturing, and uranium, utilized in nuclear energy, medical technology, and weapons production.
Additionally, Ukraine holds significant materials like lithium, graphite, and manganese, all of which are essential for the production of electric vehicle batteries.
The accord will create a ten-year, equitable partnership between the two countries. Monetary contributions to a collaborative investment fund will be provided in cash, with only fresh U.S. military assistance being considered as part of the American contribution.
