By Jarrett Renshaw and Jeff Mason
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he signed an executive order looking to boost domestic production of critical minerals and offset China’s control of the sector.
The White House did not immediately provide details of the executive order. Reuters previously reported that Trump would seek to build metals refining facilities on Pentagon military bases and likely use national security powers to boost production.
Former Newmont executive David Copley has been named to oversee the mining portfolio for the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, two sources familiar with the appointment told Reuters.
In the new role, Copley will be the highest-ranking person in the federal government shaping mining policy, one of the sources said.
Trump also said on Thursday that the United States will sign a minerals and natural resources deal with Ukraine shortly.
(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Jeff Mason; Writing by Jasper Ward; Editing by Ryan Patrick Jones and Sandra Maler)
Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.