US President Donald Trump announced a new initiative called “Project Vault.”
It aims to create the first-ever strategic stockpile of critical minerals important for industry and technology.
What Is “Project Vault”
Project Vault is a plan to build a Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve in the United States.
This reserve will store essential minerals used in modern manufacturing.
It is designed to help protect US industries from supply disruptions.
Why These Minerals Matter
Critical minerals are needed to make many advanced products including:
Electric vehicles and batteries
Smartphones and computers
Aircraft components and defence systems
Renewable energy technology
Why the US Is Doing This
The US sources many of these minerals from China, which dominates global production and processing.
Project Vault is meant to reduce dependence on China and make supply chains more secure.
It will help protect American manufacturers during shortages or price swings.
Funding and Structure
The initiative will be supported with about $12 billion in funding.
$10 billion from a loan by the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
About $1.7 billion from private companies.
It involves public‑private partnerships with industry players.
How It Will Work
Minerals like gallium, cobalt, rare earths, lithium, etc. will be procured and stored.
This supply can be used during market disruptions or emergencies.
The stockpile is similar in concept to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but for minerals instead of oil.
Expected Benefits
Stronger supply chain security for key industries.
Less risk of shortages affecting manufacturing.
Reduced dependence on foreign sources, especially China.
Why It Matters
Project Vault is seen as a major step in securing future supplies of minerals that are critical for economic and strategic industries.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
