Minerals become ultimate bargaining chip
Ukraine, an African nation and Denmark are discussing mineral pacts with Washington as President Donald Trump is pressing for access and hoping to outduel China for raw materials.
President Donald Trump is pressing for access to mineral rights across the globe, hoping to outduel China in a global competition for raw materials to fuel US military and industrial might.
Mr Trump has pushed the State Department to make mineral deals to bolster US industry and weapons, US officials said. He has instructed the Pentagon to plan to refine metals on military bases and protect US-operated mines in dangerous areas.
Many of the countries where Mr Trump is pursuing mining rights want something in return.
Ukraine suggested mineral access to secure US support against Russia, the Democratic Republic of Congo wants Washington’s help against a rebel group, and Denmark is floating mining contracts and military basing opportunities in hopes of rebuffing Mr Trump’s demand to own Greenland, part of its kingdom.
Senior officials including national security adviser Mike Waltz are leading the hunt for mining contracts. Senior envoy Massad Boulos is helping the administration obtain mining contracts as a senior adviser for African affairs.
Mr Trump wants the US to better compete with the extraordinary relationships China has established in regions including Africa and Latin America.
“Prioritising critical minerals in our foreign policy not only helps power the American economy but also eliminates dependency on global competitors such as China,” National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said.
Copenhagen and Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, have resisted Mr Trump’s suggestions to cede the territory to the US.
Danish officials have told US counterparts they would be open to more American military facilities on the islands and mining contracts for US companies.
Mr Trump insists US control of Greenland is the only outcome he wants.
“We need Greenland,” he told NBC News on Sunday.
The Wall Street Journal
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