State Department would coordinate critical-minerals projects with partner countries

The Secretary of State would select countries and organizations for critical-minerals technology partnerships. Country selection would consider U.S. ties, strategic or commercial importance, capacity, human and labor rights, and the rule of law. Eligible organizations are colleges, federally funded research centers, partnered nonprofits or businesses, and their combined groups. Organizations cannot be foreign entities of concern, and no partnership may include a country or entity of concern. At least 30 days before a partnership, the director must send Congress the agreement and provide notice and an in-person briefing.

The director would develop multinational strategy and coordinate federal agencies, partner governments, and industry. The work covers critical-minerals supply-chain strategy, investment priorities, requests for project proposals, technical standards, joint demand, security safeguards, and reports on results. Working with program partners, the Secretary must send supported technologies to the National Defense Technology and Industrial Base Council. The council must consider technologies created through the program and jointly approved, or found eligible and submitted by an allied or partner country.

The Secretary would seek to establish international technology centers and must operate a public participation website. The centers would serve program participants through research, pilot projects, training, responsible mining rules, and tracking tools. The website would help U.S. organizations find opportunities and propose projects. The website must accept requested and unsolicited proposals on a continuing basis. Early-stage and investor-backed companies must be actively considered for partnerships and funding opportunities.

The President could provide science and technology aid, and the Secretary could make certain authorized funds available for allied partnerships. Aid could support joint critical-minerals, energy, and related technology work through grants, cooperative agreements, technical help, pilot projects, or shared facilities. The State Department must notify specified congressional committees at least 15 days before committing aid funds. Transfers remain subject to existing congressional notice procedures. All authorities under the proposal would end 10 years after enactment. Earlier agreements and related wrap-up work could continue, and money committed before then could still be spent for its original purpose.