Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is taking new steps to increase America’s access to critical minerals and rare earth elements vital to American commercial and defense interests. Today, USTDA announced programming commitments to secure American leadership of critical minerals projects and connect U.S. companies to global mining projects in emerging markets. USTDA announced these commitments during the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial at the U.S. Department of State.

“USTDA’s approach to critical minerals offers our partners a responsible alternative for developing their natural resources while reducing China’s stranglehold on essential supply chains,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “The steps we are taking today will strengthen U.S. supply chains and create new opportunities for American businesses.”

USTDA’s strategy to diversify supply chains covers projects across the complete mining life cycle, from extraction and processing to supporting ancillary infrastructure like power, rail, and ports that are required to bring resources to market. Today, USTDA announced the following:

Global Critical Minerals Events: USTDA will host five events worldwide to promote secure, transparent and diversified critical minerals supply chains while advancing U.S. exports. Leveraging the Agency’s deep experience as a convener of private sector and government stakeholders, the events will showcase U.S. expertise and connect U.S. companies, including major mining firms, technology providers, service vendors, and infrastructure developers, with global mining projects.

Copper and Cobalt Request for Proposals: USTDA and Metalex Africa Zambia Limited have issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a U.S. company to lead a feasibility study on expanding the Kazozu copper and cobalt mine in Zambia. The study will evaluate the potential to add up to 25,000 metric tons annually of copper and cobalt, essential for electronics, energy and defense. The RFP closes February 17, 2026. U.S. companies are encouraged to apply.

Critical Minerals Project Scoping Missions: USTDA will expand its critical minerals portfolio by funding a scoping mission that contracts with a U.S. company to identify and structure high-impact projects in emerging markets. This will elevate some of the most promising opportunities to accelerate mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and ancillary infrastructure projects to secure U.S. access to critical minerals. USTDA is soliciting proposals for consideration from U.S. companies and project sponsors in emerging markets.

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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is the U.S. government’s first mover on critical infrastructure development in emerging markets, advancing the shared strategic priorities of the United States and our overseas partners while creating opportunities to deploy trusted U.S. solutions. USTDA funds the upfront technical work that accelerates the development of infrastructure projects, helping them attract the financing they need for implementation and procurement of U.S. goods and services.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: press@ustda.gov