Donald Trump to increase mineral production with executive order

(CNN)— President Donald Trump has invoked wartime powers to increase U.S. production of critical minerals.

He signed an executive order Thursday, March 20, giving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth the authority to use the Defense Production Act.

By invoking the wartime power, the U.S. can increase production of uranium, copper, potash, and gold.

The executive order also pushes to expand leasing and development on federal lands.

Increasing mining and refinement of critical minerals is a bi-partisan goal.

It was a key part of Former President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda.