In the United States, a significant push to secure critical minerals vital to national security and economic competitiveness is underway as of mid-May 2025. The U.S. government has identified the urgent need for a strategy to reduce dependency on foreign sources and strengthen mineral supply chains. This comes as China continues to dominate global mineral markets crucial for advanced technologies.

The White House recently identified ten mining projects being fast-tracked through a streamlined permitting process despite potential legal challenges. These projects span across multiple states including Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Montana, and Michigan, focusing on various resources from copper and lithium to gold and potash.

In March 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order titled "Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production," establishing aggressive timelines for federal agencies to expedite permitting, leasing, and financing of domestic mining projects. The order aims to reallocate existing federal funds to increase private sector investment in mining, signaling a policy firmly oriented toward resource security.

Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Corp. announced it will release its first quarter 2025 earnings before markets open on Monday, May 12, 2025, with a conference call scheduled to discuss the results.

The energy landscape continues to evolve as fossil fuels accounted for less than half of U.S. electricity production in March, with natural gas and coal comprising just over 49% of power generation, indicating a significant shift in America's energy mix.

California faces challenges as nearly one-fifth of its crude-processing capacity is expected to disappear within the next year as two key refineries cease operations. Valero is the latest refinery announcing closure plans, with Governor Newsom seeking a compromise solution.

The SUPER DUG 2025 conference is currently taking place from May 13-15 in Fort Worth, Texas, bringing together experts from major U.S. shale plays including the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Bakken, Midcontinent, and the Rockies to explore advancements in drilling, completion, and production techniques.

As global competition for control over critical minerals intensifies, experts emphasize that the United States cannot solve this challenge alone due to geological limitations, holding less than 1% of global reserves of cobalt, nickel, and graphite. This reality necessitates building coalitions with allies to create more resilient supply chains that can compete with China's dominance in the sector.