US to convene 1st critical minerals summit in February

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US will convene the first-ever Critical Minerals Ministerial next month to strengthen supply chains, the State Department announced Tuesday.

"On February 4, Secretary (Marco) Rubio will welcome partners from across the globe to the State Department for the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial," it said on the US social media company X.

The meeting aims to strengthen supply chains for vital minerals with international allies, which the agency described as essential to America's "economic and national security, technological leadership, and a resilient energy future."

No additional details were provided about the agenda or which countries will participate.

The US has elevated critical minerals to a top national security priority, seeking to diminish reliance on other parties for resources crucial to defense systems, technology and electronics manufacturing.