United States: Mining

The Department of Energy has launched a groundbreaking Common Investment Initial Screening Application that consolidates access to over half a trillion dollars in federal funding across multiple agencies. Companies with domestic or international projects in energy infrastructure, critical minerals, materials, and mining can now submit a single application to be considered for equity investments, loans, loan guarantees, grants, and other federal support from DOE, DFC, ExIm, and OSC.

The Trump Administration has issued four executive actions aimed at securing critical minerals and materials for American national and economic security through tariff relief, onshoring incentives, and export controls. These measures target aluminum and polysilicon production, restrict defense contractors' sourcing from non-allied nations, and empower the Commerce Secretary to limit exports of critical materials in manufacturing residues and discarded electronics.

Developers of infrastructure and mining projects face mounting cost pressures, shifting trade policies, and evolving regulatory requirements that threaten project economics and investment decisions.

Recent gains in Chinese economic influence across Africa highlight gaps in current US Africa strategy, indicating that the current level of engagement may be insufficient to fully counter Beijing’s presence.

The deep sea mining sector experienced significant developments in Q1 2026, with the International Seabed Authority failing to approve exploitation activities while investigating potential contractor non-compliance. Meanwhile, the Trump administration advanced U.S. mining interests through streamlined licensing processes and domestic processing initiatives, as Japan accelerated its rare earth extraction efforts and strengthened cooperation with the United States on critical mineral supply chains.

Rob Day, Partner and Co-Founder at Spring Lane Capital, explores how the urgent need for power capacity is fundamentally reshaping data center investment strategy, from the surge in microgrid development to the strategic risks of over-reliance on natural gas. He reveals why the economics of battery-powered microgrids are closer to viability than most realize and shares a practical playbook for developers looking to start consuming power today while building tomorrow's AI infrastructure.

The Trump Administration recently hosted high-level discussions with officials from certain European, Asian, and African countries focused on critical minerals cooperation.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, the United States hosted the Inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial at the U.S. Department of State, convening delegations from 54 countries...

The United States and European Union are intensifying efforts to secure resilient supplies of critical minerals essential for clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national security.