Creating demand for American minerals and metals is only half the equation; Washington must also make it possible to produce them. The United States cannot maintain the world’s strongest military while relying on geopolitical competitors for the minerals that enable modern military systems. ADVERTISEMENTChina’s mineral dominance and its weaponization of mineral supplies have created enormous risks for the United States and its allies. Despite the United States’ vast mineral reserves — estimated worth $6.2 trillion — we have become alarmingly dependent on overseas supply chains. America has the mineral resources, a dynamic workforce and the technological expertise to lead the world in critical mineral production.