S. 789: Critical Minerals Security Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Critical Minerals Security Act of 2025, aims to strengthen the United States' position regarding critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) by establishing a framework for reporting and developing technologies related to these resources. Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Reports on Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Element Resources

The bill mandates the Secretary of the Interior, in collaboration with other relevant federal agencies, to submit a report to Congress within one year of the bill's enactment and every two years thereafter. This report will provide detailed information about critical mineral and REE resources globally, including:

• Assessment of resources under the control of foreign entities of concern.
• Details about resources owned or controlled by the U.S. or its allies.
• Information on resources without current commercial mining and reasons for that status.
• Estimates of the output and ownership details for significant mines extracting these minerals.
• Lists of key foreign entities and U.S. partners involved in mining activities.
• An assessment on international collaborations for mining and processing activities.

Process for Notifying the U.S. Government of Divestment

The Secretary is required to establish a process within a year to assist U.S. persons who intend to divest from foreign operations involving critical minerals and rare earth elements. This includes:

• Notifications of intent to divest.
• Support to find buyers not controlled by entities from covered nations.

Strategy for Developing Technologies

Within a year of enactment, the Secretary must develop a strategy to promote the development of advanced mining, refining, separation, processing, and recycling technologies. This involves:

• Collaborating with allied nations on technological advancements.
• Sharing intellectual property to enable other countries to adopt these technologies while maintaining resource control.

Reports on Progress

The Secretary will also have to submit an annual report on the progress of the technological strategy mentioned above.

Forms of Report

All reports submitted under the bill will be in unclassified form, though classified annexes may be included if necessary.

Definitions

Several terms are defined within the bill, such as:

• Covered Nation: Specific nations as recognized by U.S. law.
• Critical Mineral: As defined in existing legislation related to energy.
• Rare Earth Elements: A specific set of 15 chemical elements essential for various technologies.
• Foreign Entity of Concern: Definitions aligning with U.S. security and investment law.

Impact on Critical Minerals

The bill emphasizes the importance of securing a consistent supply of critical minerals and REEs for technological development and military applications, while also addressing concerns regarding foreign influence over these resources.

Relevant Companies

• MP Materials (MP): As one of the largest producers of rare earth materials in the United States, this company may benefit from increased demand and support for domestic production.
• Albemarle Corporation (ALB): A key player in lithium production, which is essential for battery technology, might see implications related to securing mining rights and technologies under this bill.
• Lithium Americas (LAC): Focused on lithium mining, potential collaborations on technology advancements could be fostered through international partnerships outlined in the bill.