It’s been a big day for the Alaska economy. Using wartime powers under the Defense Production Act, President Donald Trump’s latest executive order aims to bolster domestic mineral production to improve national and economic security by reducing reliance on foreign mineral supplies.
His order intends to boost domestic output of such minerals as cobalt and copper, reducing reliance on imports amid tensions with China.
“More great news coming out of the @WhiteHouse,” wrote Gov. Mike Dunleavy in response to the news. “Alaska stands ready to lead the way in revitalizing America’s mineral supply chain. We look forward to working with the administration to accelerate permitting, unleash investment, and make the United States the global leader in critical mineral production.”
Congressman Nick Begich wrote, “Today’s Executive Order to increase mineral production in the United States is yet another major victory for America’s energy and national security. The war on mining that we saw waged under the Biden Administration is over. I was proud to work with the Trump Administration to make domestic mineral production a priority, and this action is going to deliver results for hardworking Americans. By streamlining permitting, we are unleashing the vast mineral wealth of the United States and reducing our reliance on China for critical minerals while also strengthening our own supply chains.”
As Vice Chair of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Begich said he will continue the work to expand responsible resource development that fuels economic growth for Alaska and supports the American worker.
“This executive order is a win for America, a win for Alaska, and a win for every American who relies on affordable, reliable energy for every American,” he said.
Trump had directed the Secretary of the Interior to prioritize mineral-rich federal lands for mining, amending land use plans accordingly. The order eases restrictions that hamper private investment and public-private partnerships by leveraging federal land leases, waiving certain regulatory requirements under the Defense Production Act, and delegating authority to the Secretary of Defense and the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to expedite mineral projects.
It further encourages capital investment through various federal programs and seeks legislative recommendations to clarify mining waste management under the Mining Act of 1872, aiming to swiftly enhance the domestic mineral supply chain.
The order comes with a series of deadlines to ensure accountability:
Priority Projects (Sec. 3): By March 30, the heads of executive departments and agencies involved in permitting mineral production must submit lists of all mineral production projects with pending plans, permit applications, or approvals to the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council. These agencies, in coordination with the NEDC, will then identify “priority projects” that can be immediately approved or permitted. The focus is on projects that can quickly enhance domestic mineral output, though specific examples aren’t named—criteria include readiness for approval and potential impact on supply chains.
Transparency Projects (Sec. 3(b)): By April 4, the NEDC Chairman Doug Burgum, in consultation with agency heads, will propose projects for the permitting dashboard under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act.
These “transparency projects” will be expedited for review.
Federal Land-Based Projects (Sec. 5): Secretary of the Interior Burgum must identify federal lands with known mineral deposits by March 30, prioritizing them for mining. By April 19, multiple secretaries (Defense, Interior, Agriculture, Energy) will pinpoint sites suitable for leasing or development for commercial mineral production.
These projects target rapid operational status and supply chain robustness, focusing on minerals like critical minerals, uranium, copper, potash, and gold.
Read the executive order at this link.
Earlier today Trump reversed the Biden lockdown of Alaska’s oil and gas reserves in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s 1002 coastal plain area.
AND(!!!) … to think that Daddy’s Little Princess is so inflicted with TDS, that these phenomenal wins for Alaska and Alaskans, she continues her obstructionist approach.
Hallelujah finally.