Trump unveils Project Vault: a $12 billion plan to stockpile critical minerals

February 3, 2026

The White House announced a new public-private partnership, dubbed Project Vault, with a $12 billion budget aimed at creating a strategic reserve of minerals deemed critical to national security and modern manufacturing. The initiative seeks to safeguard supplies of essential inputs used in batteries, smartphones, cars, aircraft, and more.

Under the plan, the stockpile would include any minerals listed as “critical” by the Interior Department, according to reporting from CNBC’s Justine Calma. The effort envisions collaboration between government agencies and industry to build resilience into domestic supply chains and reduce exposure to international shocks.

Details on timelines, governance, and exact mineral targets were not disclosed, but the announcement positions Project Vault as a major step in diversifying and securing the United States’ access to key resources.

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