"Federal agencies will need fully-staffed teams to implement President Donald Trump’s order for the Interior Department and other agencies to expedite mining on federal lands, natural resources lawyers say.

But massive staffing cuts could get in the way of Trump’s demand to mine more minerals domestically, and it could take years for agencies and companies to mobilize and begin digging rock.

“Policy is personnel, so it’s important that you have teams that understand how to do these projects and move them forward,” said Hilary Tompkins, a partner at Hogan Lovells US LLP who served as Interior solicitor during the Obama administration.

Domestic mining for rare earth and other minerals was a priority for the Biden administration and has had bipartisan support in recent years. Critical minerals are needed to reduce US reliance on China and other countries for metals needed in electric vehicles, electronics, and other materials essential to the US economy and defense."

Bobby Magill reports for Bloomberg Environment March 21, 2025. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Trump Invokes Wartime Authority To Bolster Critical Minerals" (E&E News)
https://www.eenews.net/articles/trump-invokes-wartime-authority-to-bolst... [3]

"Inside Trump’s Ambitious — And Perilous — Push To Unleash US Minerals" (E&E News)
https://www.eenews.net/articles/inside-trumps-ambitious-and-perilous-pus... [4]