Minerals Security Partnership Authorization Act
The Minerals Security Partnership Authorization Act would create a U.S.-led, internationally cooperative framework to secure and diversify critical mineral supply chains. It sets a policy to work with allies to develop secure mining, processing, refining, and related advanced manufacturing, while prioritizing domestic production and reducing reliance on adversarial powers (e.g., China, Russia, Iran). The bill authorizes the President and Secretary of State to negotiate a coalition (the Minerals Security Partnership) with objectives to build resilient supply chains, enable joint investment, establish market-based incentives and rules, share information, map resources, and ensure environmental, labor, and safety standards. It also authorizes U.S. membership in the International Nickel Study Group (INSG) and authorizes funding to implement these efforts, including a dedicated appropriation for fiscal year 2026. In addition to creating the partnership, the bill directs the Secretary of State to lead U.S. participation, coordinate with regional bureaus and missions, and develop a project database to spur private investment and strengthen supply chains. It emphasizes collaboration with private sector and civil society, prioritizes projects aligned with U.S. national and economic security, and calls for ESG standards in project selection. It also provides for a nonmember-country consortium, joint resource mapping, and investment protections among coalition members.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a policy framework to collaborate with allies to build secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains, prioritize domestic production, and reduce dependence on adversaries.
- 2Authorizes negotiation of an international coalition (Minerals Security Partnership) to secure mining, processing, refining, and advanced manufacturing of critical minerals, with mechanisms for joint investment, market-based incentives, and shared industry programs.
- 3Creates a framework for market-based rules, tax/incentive guidance, best practices (labor, environment, community safety), and a consortium to access deposits in nonmember countries; includes joint resource mapping and information-sharing mechanisms.
- 4Requires explicit leadership and coordination by the Secretary of State (Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment) with regional bureaus, U.S. missions, and private sector/civil society groups; includes funding mechanisms to support cooperation and cost-sharing, including political risk insurance and financing.
- 5Authorizes U.S. membership in the International Nickel Study Group (INSG) and allocates funding to implement these provisions, including a specific appropriation of $75 million for FY2026.