Summary
Recent moves show continued government encroachment into strategic minerals, growth in recycling infrastructure, and regulatory dynamics shifting supply risk. The U.S. has solidified a 5% stake in Lithium Americas/Thacker Pass. Aurubis is scaling recycled copper input. Congo court rulings complicate tantalum projects. The DOE rolls out “Mine of the Future” funding. These forces are pushing the critical minerals sector toward higher state presence, supply diversification, and deeper technical innovation.
Key Points
U.S. Government Confirms 5% Equity Stake in Lithium Americas / Thacker Pass
The U.S. government has taken a 5% equity position in Lithium Americas and its joint venture with GM at Thacker Pass, signaling deeper state involvement in battery minerals.
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/us-government-take-5-stake-lithium-americas-joint-venture-with-general-motors-2025-09-30/Aurubis Boosts Recycled Copper Share
Aurubis reports that recycled copper now accounts for ~45% of feedstock at its Hamburg smelter, up significantly over the last two years—reducing reliance on concentrate imports.
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/aurubis-boosts-recycled-copper-share-scrap-2025-09-25/Congo Court Ruling Threatens U.S. Tantalum Plans
A Congolese firm under U.S. sanction secured a court ruling strengthening its claim to a tantalum deposit, complicating U.S. ambitions in central African mineral strategy.
https://www.mining.com/web/congo-court-ruling-risks-snarling-trumps-critical-mineral-goals/DOE Launches “Mine of the Future” Initiative with $80M Funding
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced up to $80 million for proving grounds to pilot advanced mining technologies, plus $15 million for national labs to support R&D for domestic mineral resilience.
https://www.energy.gov/fecm/articles/us-department-energy-launches-mine-future-initiatives-bolster-us-mining-industryBlue Whale Materials Begins Commissioning in Oklahoma
A new lithium-ion battery recycling plant in Bartlesville, Oklahoma is beginning operations, expanding U.S. capacity in reclaiming battery metals.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/blue-whale-materials-starts-commissioning-oklahoma-battery-recycling-facility-2025-09-30/CSIS to Host Critical Minerals & National Security Conference (Oct 8, West Point)
The CSIS / West Point event focuses on the defense, supply chain, and diplomacy dimensions of critical minerals—timely as states push deeper into the sector.
https://www.csis.org/events/future-critical-minerals-and-national-security-2025-csis-west-point-conference
Why It Matters
Governments as Stakeholders, Not Just Regulators
State equity introduces new dynamics: control, governance demands, risk allocation, and alignment with broader industrial strategy.Recycled Metals as a Risk Mitigator
As primary supply faces disruption, recycling is becoming a strategic buffer—Aurubis’ increase signals momentum.Legal & Political Risk in Resource Zones
Court rulings in resource jurisdictions can shift project viability overnight—especially where high-value minerals are at stake.Tech & Innovation Funding as Strategic Leverage
The “Mine of the Future” initiative shows how governments are positioning to catalyze new mining models—robotics, remote operations, waste‑mineral recovery.Conference Signaling
Thought leadership platforms like CSIS help set policy direction, align actors, and frame public discourse around minerals as national security.
Watchlist Companies & Entities
Lithium Americas / Thacker Pass
Now partly government backed.
Homepage: https://www.lithiumamericas.comAurubis AG
European metals processor leading in recycled copper scaling.
Homepage: https://www.aurubis.comPerpetua / U.S. Antimony / Other State‑partnered firms
Track those who may benefit or be challenged by increased government intervention or procurement.DOE / U.S. National Labs
Key funders of next-gen mining systems.
DOE link: https://www.energy.govCongolese Courts & Mineral Authorities
Entity rulings in DRC, especially for tantalum/cobalt, will materially influence strategic mineral flows.CSIS / Critical Minerals Security Program
Hosts the upcoming conference shaping policy and industry narratives.
Homepage: https://www.csis.org/programs/critical-minerals-security-program
Critical Minerals Spotlight
Lithium — Center of the battery supply chain; state equity is transforming its capital structure.
Copper (Recycled) — Recycled copper is increasingly essential for supply resilience.
Tantalum — Often less in headlines, but legal ownership is critical for electronics, aerospace, and defense.
Mining Tech / Automation / Recovery — Innovation is emerging as a frontier in mining returns, not only raw access.
Action Points
Review terms and governance implications of the U.S. stake in Lithium Americas.
Monitor recycling facility throughput, feed sourcing, margin spreads in copper.
Analyze the legal basis and appeal trends of the DRC court decision for tantalum claims.
Track award announcements from the DOE’s new programs and which mining firms or labs qualify.
Tune into CSIS conference outputs—whitepapers, policy signals, alliances to emerge.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and is not legal, investment, or policy advice. Information is believed accurate at time of publication. Sources are publicly available.