U.S. Department of State outlines critical minerals actions including 'Project Vault' strategic reserve concept and REE-related financing signals at 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial

A U.S. Department of State release on the 2026 Critical Minerals Ministerial summarizes U.S. Government actions affecting critical-minerals supply chains, including rare earth elements (REEs). It describes 'Project Vault' as establishing a domestic strategic reserve for critical minerals supported by Export-Import Bank (EXIM) Board approval of a direct loan up to $10B, and references letters of interest including $455M for rare earth development and processing in the United States. While this is not a codified REE restriction, it is an official policy signal relevant for compliance teams tracking U.S. critical-minerals/REE sourcing expectations, government financing conditions, and supply-chain due diligence program direction.