US PRESIDENT Donald Trump will meet mining executives on Friday as his administration steps up efforts to secure critical mineral supplies from the US and allied countries, Reuters reports. The move forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen national security and reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains. The White House says it needs critical minerals to replenish weapons stockpiles depleted during the Iran conflict. The administration is also seeking to tackle shortages of engineers, geologists, miners and technicians needed to expand the domestic mining sector. The administration argues government support is needed to counter China’s long-standing dominance of critical mineral production and processing.