President Signs EO to increase potash, other mineral production

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to increase domestic production of critical minerals, including potash. The president directed federal agencies to compile lists of pending mineral projects and expedite their review in coordination with the National Energy Dominance Council led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The president also directed Burgum to prioritize critical mineral production on federal lands over other activities. The Interior Secretary can determine whether other minerals, such as coal, are covered by the order. A White House Official told CNBC that Trump would utilize the Defense Production Act to increase mineral production. President Joe Biden also used the DPA to boost the nation’s critical mineral output in 2022. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation will fund new production projects through a dedicated critical minerals allocation in cooperation with the Defense Department. The U.S. Geological Survey says America imported 91 percent of its potash in 2023.