The United States launched FORGE (Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement) on Wednesday, inviting countries like South Korea to join this new initiative aimed at diversifying critical mineral supply chains crucial for advanced and defense industries.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a press conference following a ministerial meeting in Washington, D.C., emphasized the importance of securing critical minerals and their processed products. He noted that the U.S. is collaborating with 55 partners, including 54 countries and the European Union.
Rubio highlighted the risks of the current supply concentration, warning that it could be exploited as a geopolitical lever or become vulnerable to disruptions from pandemics or political instability. He stressed the growing need for a reliable and diverse global supply chain for critical minerals.
The Secretary expressed concern that foreign competitors are using state subsidies and unfair practices to undercut prices, stifle private-sector investment, and gain market dominance. He warned of the potential for price manipulation and weaponization of these resources once an industry is monopolized.
To address these challenges, Rubio announced that the U.S. is pursuing domestic permitting reforms, strategic stockpiling, and the launch of FORGE as a platform to create a reliable global supply chain with allies.
Rubio encouraged broader participation in FORGE, noting that several countries have already joined. He thanked South Korea for its leadership in the previous Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) and announced that Korea would continue as the inaugural chair of FORGE until June.
The Secretary emphasized that this initiative marks a historic starting point for promoting private investment, boosting innovation, enhancing economic growth, and strengthening national security, building on billions in U.S. government investment.
He outlined the afternoon session agenda, including presentations on price floor mechanisms and investment tools, and concluded with remarks from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
In his opening remarks, Rubio underscored that economic security is national security, highlighting the critical role of minerals in everyday devices, industrial infrastructure, and national defense.
Vice President JD Vance delivered a keynote address, expressing the Trump administration’s strong commitment to rebuilding the critical minerals supply chain.
Vance criticized the current international market as distorted and outlined plans to create a trade zone for critical minerals with allies, establish price floors, and implement measures to prevent dumping and encourage long-term investment.
He highlighted recent U.S. initiatives, including Project Vault, aimed at rebuilding the supply chain and creating strategic stockpiles for private industry.
Vance emphasized the goal of integrating trade policy, development finance, and diplomacy to diversify the global supply of critical minerals, benefiting the growth and security of all participating countries.
The State Department later announced the signing of 11 new bilateral cooperation frameworks and MOUs with various countries, building on recent agreements and ongoing negotiations with 17 nations regarding coalition participation.
The press release also revealed that the Trump administration has mobilized over 30 billion USD in public and private funding over the past six months to restructure the critical minerals supply chain.
This comprehensive approach aims to reduce dependence on a single source, enhance global cooperation, and strengthen the resilience of critical mineral supply chains for advanced technologies and national defense.
The initiative underscores the growing importance of critical minerals in global geopolitics and economic strategy, with the U.S. taking a leading role in reshaping the international landscape.