New Minerals Task Force Targets China Dependency: Securing Supply Chains for Tech and EVs

The Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act is setting up a high-level government task force to tackle a problem that hits everything from your smartphone to your electric vehicle: our reliance on other countries, especially China, for the critical minerals we need to power modern life. The bill’s core action is establishing the Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force within the Executive Office of the President, led by Presidential appointees, with a clear mandate: figure out how dependent the U.S. is on foreign sources for these essential materials and develop a concrete plan to secure our supply chains (SEC. 3).

Why We’re Talking Minerals at All

Think about the lithium in your laptop battery, the rare earth elements in your car’s sensors, or the minerals needed for solar panels and defense systems. Congress found that in 2022, the U.S. imported 100% of 12 critical minerals and over half of 31 others. The kicker? China is the number one producer for 30 of the 50 minerals we’re most dependent on (SEC. 2). This reliance isn't just an economic issue; the bill frames it as a national security risk, especially given reported human rights concerns and trade violations linked to Chinese-based mining operations globally.

The Task Force’s Mission: Onshoring and Allies

This isn't just about making lists; the Task Force has a massive to-do list designed to shift the dynamic. They must coordinate efforts across 23 different federal agencies—from Defense and Energy to the EPA and State—and consult with state, local, and Tribal governments, industry, and labor (SEC. 3). Their main job is to recommend ways to increase domestic capacity for mining, processing, recycling, and refining these minerals responsibly. This means looking at how we can bring certain supply chains entirely back home (“onshore”) and how to strengthen alliances with partners like NATO and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to diversify sources away from strategic rivals.

For the average person, this could eventually mean more secure, domestically sourced materials going into the products they buy, potentially insulating the U.S. economy from geopolitical shocks. For those in the construction or manufacturing trades, the bill specifically calls for strengthening the domestic workforce with good-paying jobs related to these supply chains, aiming for a boost in specialized manufacturing and refining jobs.

The Regulatory Review and the Catch

One interesting component is the required study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Within 18 months, the GAO must report on federal and state rules and regulations that currently affect improving domestic critical mineral supply chains (SEC. 3). This signals a push to identify red tape that might be slowing down responsible domestic production. The Task Force itself is also charged with identifying policy changes that could “speed up environmentally responsible production.”

Here’s where the fine print matters: While the goal is laudable—secure supply chains—the bill gives the Task Force significant power to define its own scope. It can designate any country as a “strategic rival” for critical minerals, which then counts as a “covered country” (SEC. 3, Defining Key Terms). This broad authority means the Task Force gets to decide who the rivals are, potentially setting the stage for future trade policy actions. Furthermore, the goal to “speed up environmentally responsible production” is subjective. For local communities and Tribal governments, who the Task Force must consult with, the push to speed up permitting could create tension with environmental protection goals, depending on how “responsible” is ultimately defined in practice.