Project Vault Doesn't Solve the Mineral Problem || Sept 3, 2026
Project Vault, the Trump administration's initiative to stockpile critical minerals, is just a small step in the right direction. Sure, buying mineral-rich waste helps the U.S. build reserves, but it's a classic case of giving the man a fish vs. teaching him how to fish.
If the U.S. really wanted to reduce its reliance on China and prepare for a world where access to critical minerals is scarcer, building out its own refining capacity should be the first step. And after that, the U.S. should begin strengthening relations with other countries that could help with supply issues in the meantime.
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Comments (20)
Teabags for coffee
Seems as though there is perhaps an opportunity for Canada to diversify away from the US? Perhaps folks in Canada should build processing plants in order to provide rare earths to needy countries rather than just piles of dirt to the US.
The United States cannot reindustrialize without the help of our allies. And yet Trump is burning bridges with our allies around the world especially those that could help the US like Canada and Mexico. Trump's foreign policies decisions are an utter abject failure.
Trump doesn't understand the concept of allies or friends. Just people and countries to use and then drop. It is really pretty sad.
Thought you were referring to e-waste. E-waste is an enriched waste stream, no?
I'm starting to believe the US should have some state owned businesses. Something that can be scaled up and privatized later if we want.
If we work with Canada, Brazil and Australia to create new sources of supply… what will the Chinese do with their capacity?
We finally can give Trump kudos on a necessary project, but again (like the Iranian War), no forethought because he knows everything.
And IF Orange Man's ego weren't so fragile and he had surrounded himself with competent, knowledgeable people he would know this. Alas, he has surrounded himself with everyone that should ride the short bus.
Peter, I appreciate the analysis and that it would be better to do the processing here. My question is, whats the biggest hurdle? is it environmental, costs etc? would like to know your thoughts?
Ok, let’s be creative capitalists. Offer China confiscated Shadow Fleet oil , but accept payment only in rare earth minerals. Commerce minded CCP won’t turn this down! Apply this deal around the world and it would neutralize any rare earth boycott! Are you listening POTUS ?
Just an investor perspective (from someone reading you since StratFor) but mine tailings often have a decent yield at substantially reduced cost and shortened time frame. There SEEM to be a bunch of processing plants being built in the US (IF one believes press releases and presentations) or planned for military/government land. Note that no one seems to want a refinery anywhere nearby to where they live. So, maybe not the BEST idea, but a somewhat doable work-around.
I hope we didn’t buy a bunch of dirt without a plan and a way to process the tailings. Thank you for your insight. Please add to your post with additional facts.
We can't expect more than baby steps from someone who wears diapers.
TDS.... We need to decouple from China and this is a start.
Wait, we actually have a "Project Vault" and THAT'S not the headline? I've seen, well, clips of this show. It doesn't end well!
2:30 ... "🇦🇺- Not Fukn Resist Enough 2🐝Our Friend!" "IF they were ONLY More Racist ...!!!... 👹... Then WE ... Wudlykdoazguyz ... ... ... Fukn-PoosyNon-Racsist!" ... ... ... 😸 Every once in a while ... You can dish-out some Peter-Truth ... rather uniquely. 🐈
It's theoretically possible to create a GMO bacteria that could thrive on Mars. Viewing vast desolation of perchlorate and iron bathed in ionising radiation as a fertile cornucopia. Perhaps an easier things to surmount than the self sabotage and blazing ineptitude of this administration.
Australia not racist enough? Are you following the rise of One Nation - far right, racist party? And the far right protest rallies, like the one I witnessed in Melbourne last Sunday, which was met with hundreds of riot police in body vests & helmets. Haven't seen anything like that in my lifetime. Also, PZ, the housing bubble burst you predicted in Oz seems to have started triggered by government finally ending entrenched investor-friendly policies. Right wing press is screaming blue murder.
Interesting isn't it? People like that are always the same no matter what side of the fence they're on.