Secretary of State Marco Rubio Launches Global Initiative for Critical Minerals Supply

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the urgent need for reliable and diversified global supply chains for critical minerals during a State Department briefing. Rubio highlighted that these materials are essential for building technologies like AI systems, semiconductors, defense equipment, and industrial infrastructure.

He warned that concentration of critical minerals in a single country creates geopolitical leverage and economic vulnerabilities. Rubio noted that the United States is leading by example through permitting reforms and the creation of a strategic stockpile of critical minerals.

Rubio also announced the launch of the FORGE Initiative, designed to foster international collaboration and build a global network of partners to ensure reliable supply chains. He praised countries like South Korea for leadership in prior efforts and detailed upcoming sessions to address pricing mechanisms, financing tools, and frameworks to attract private-sector investment.

He stressed that critical minerals are vital not only for technological innovation and economic growth but also for national security, and emphasized that this initiative marks a historic step in global cooperation.