Adapted from an article originally published by The New York Sun: ‘Mineral Diplomacy’: Trump Looks for a Win in the High-Stakes Battle for Vital Global Resources

As global competition for critical minerals intensifies, the U.S. is adopting a more assertive strategy—one shaped by geopolitical urgency, economic resilience, and national security. In The New York Sun’s recent feature on the resurgence of “mineral diplomacy,” Nestpoint Managing Director John Thomas offered key insight into how America must position itself to win this new resource race.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset relations with African nations and break China’s grip,” Thomas told the Sun, referring to emerging U.S. initiatives in mineral-rich regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We’re deeply involved in these deals,” he noted, underscoring Nestpoint’s advisory role in structuring long-term partnerships that balance commercial interest with geopolitical strategy.

At the heart of this effort is a growing concern over China’s dominance in mineral refining and supply chains, particularly rare earth elements vital to everything from smartphones to defense systems. “China’s 80 percent grip on global mineral processing is a security threat,” Thomas warned. “But the U.S. can counter it with private sector innovation and by disrupting Beijing’s predatory contracts.”

Thomas emphasized the importance of domestic production capacity alongside international partnerships. “We’re seeing deal flow for American firms to build refining facilities here in the U.S.,” he said. “Securing raw materials is only step one. We need to process them in locations free from Chinese influence.”

The Sun report also highlights the recent U.S.–Ukraine joint Reconstruction Investment Fund and a minerals-for-security framework under consideration in the DRC. These efforts, Thomas said, signal a decisive pivot away from dependency and toward supply chain sovereignty. “Anything that turns on requires rare earth,” he added. “This isn’t a wishlist—it’s a national imperative.”

By strengthening America’s role in the global minerals landscape, Thomas believes the U.S. can build a more resilient future—one where policy, investment, and strategic foresight converge.

Original Source: “Mineral Diplomacy: Trump Looks for a Win in the High-Stakes Battle for Vital Global Resources” by Hollie McKay, The New York Sun. Read the full article.

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