By Tiffany Williams –
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department held a briefing Wednesday to discuss outcomes from the Critical Minerals Ministerial, where Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr outlined efforts to secure resilient supply chains for minerals vital to technology and national security. The ministerial, held February 4 in Washington, brought together delegations from 54 countries and the European Commission to explore diversification and investment in critical minerals.
Orr emphasized the Western Hemisphere’s central role in supplying key minerals such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements. He highlighted partnerships with countries including Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru to create transparent supply chains, attract investment, and generate jobs. The ministerial also saw new bilateral framework agreements signed with Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru, along with joint projects totaling more than $30 billion.
The briefing addressed questions on specific national partnerships. Orr said the United States is supporting Brazil through financing and technical cooperation on projects such as Serra Verde and Aclara and expressed interest in expanding processing capacity within Brazil. Regarding Ecuador, he said the U.S. will work with the country to identify joint projects to develop critical minerals reserves for mutual benefit. On Argentina, Orr noted the framework agreement covers a range of minerals, including copper and lithium, to encourage investment amid rising global demand.
On broader supply chain concerns, Orr said the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement, or FORGE, will coordinate policy among countries committed to high standards and resilient supply chains. He emphasized that U.S. efforts are intended to diversify sources and de-risk supply chains rather than act against any specific country, including China.
The briefing also covered questions about Venezuela, where Orr said the U.S. aims to ensure revenues from critical minerals benefit the Venezuelan people while supporting economic recovery. On Canada, he noted strong collaboration with Canadian companies and the government, particularly regarding price floor mechanisms for critical minerals, with further details under review by the U.S. Trade Representative.
The State Department plans to release an English audio recording and translated transcripts in Spanish and Portuguese online.