In early February 2026, the Trump administration announced 'Project Vault,' a $12 billion initiative aimed at creating a strategic stockpile of critical minerals to reduce the United States' dependence on China. According to Al Jazeera, this effort involves over 50 countries participating in a Critical Minerals Ministerial to discuss strategies for minimizing reliance on Chinese mineral supplies. The project is set to combine $1.67 billion in private funding with a $10 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank, as reported by Tribune Latest. The stockpile will include rare earths and other critical minerals crucial for industries such as automotive and technology, which have been vulnerable to supply chain disruptions due to China's dominance. President Trump emphasized that the stockpile would 'ensure that American businesses and workers are never harmed by any shortage' (Al Jazeera, February 02, 2026).