The race to secure critical minerals on American soil just got a significant boost from an unexpected corner: the Pentagon's inner circle. REalloys announced that Joe Kasper, former Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, has joined the company as chair of its advisory board, according to OilPrice.com reporting on April 1. The move underscores the urgency surrounding rare earth metals supply as the country faces a hard 2027 deadline requiring U.S. defense systems to eliminate Chinese-sourced inputs.
Kasper's appointment isn't merely symbolic. According to OilPrice.com, he has been working inside the Pentagon on the exact supply chain breakdown that REalloys is now trying to fix—giving the rare earth metals platform a direct line to defense procurement officials who understand the stakes. The company is positioning itself as a U.S.-aligned alternative to Chinese rare earth suppliers, a critical distinction as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global supply chains.
The timing reflects broader anxiety about America's dependence on foreign sources for materials essential to everything from military hardware to renewable energy infrastructure. With less than two years until the 2027 deadline, companies racing to establish domestic rare earth production capacity are pulling in heavyweight advisors who can navigate both the technical and political complexities of building a new supply chain from scratch.
Mining Projects Advance Across Multiple Fronts
While rare earths grab headlines, other critical mineral projects are moving forward on multiple continents. In Sweden, construction is ramping up on a new iron ore sorting facility. According to International Mining on March 31, NCC signed an agreement with LKAB to conduct initial work for a new iron ore sorting plant in Vitåfors, Gällivare, with the order valued at approximately SEK 650 million (US$68.6 million). The work comprises concreting and groundworks, with NCC and LKAB operating under an existing partnering agreement for the broader construction project.
Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Santana Minerals is preparing for its own project launch. According to International Mining on March 31, the company has secured build slots for its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project mining fleet with Komatsu New Zealand Ltd, ensuring delivery of key mobile equipment for construction start. The company evaluated mining equipment options including electric and hybrid units before making its selection, pending a Fast-Track Approval decision due on October 29, 2026.
These infrastructure investments signal confidence that mining operations will continue expanding despite global economic uncertainty. The equipment commitments—particularly Santana's evaluation of electric and hybrid options—also reflect an industry-wide shift toward more sustainable extraction methods.
Gold's Rising Status in Reserve Assets
Beyond active mining projects, gold itself is gaining prominence in national financial strategies. Brazil's central bank boosted its gold holdings to become the second-largest reserve asset in 2025, according to Reuters reporting on March 31. The move reflects a broader trend of central banks diversifying away from traditional currency reserves and toward precious metals as geopolitical instability persists.
This shift has implications for mining companies and exploration efforts. As governments prioritize gold accumulation, demand for reliable domestic and allied-nation production becomes more strategically important. Brazil's decision to elevate gold's role in its reserve portfolio signals confidence in the metal's long-term value amid currency volatility and trade uncertainties.
The convergence of these developments—from Pentagon officials joining rare earth companies to construction beginning on new sorting facilities to central banks accumulating gold—paints a picture of a critical minerals sector in motion. Companies are securing equipment, governments are building reserves, and defense officials are taking seats at the table. Whether these moves can close the gap between current U.S. critical minerals capacity and the 2027 deadline remains the central question hanging over the industry.
Reporting based on coverage from OilPrice.com, International Mining, and Reuters.