The United Arab Emirates and the United States have signed a new framework agreement aimed at securing and diversifying supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, reinforcing a strategic partnership focused on economic resilience, advanced manufacturing, and national security.
The Framework on Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths was signed on the sidelines of the US Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, DC. The agreement was inked by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Jacob Helberg, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.
The framework establishes a coordinated approach to accelerate the secure supply of critical minerals by leveraging existing policy tools in both countries, including US industrial demand and stockpiling infrastructure and the UAE’s strategic reserves. It also provides a platform to mobilise public and private investment across the entire value chain, from mining and processing to recycling and downstream manufacturing.
Both sides will support investment through financing, guarantees, equity participation, insurance, and regulatory facilitation. Within six months, the UAE and the US plan to jointly identify priority projects and take steps to provide financing to initiatives located in each country, with the aim of supplying end products to both markets.
The agreement also promotes faster permitting processes, cooperation on market transparency, and measures to counter unfair trade practices. Additional collaboration areas include recycling technologies, geological mapping, national security reviews of asset sales, and engagement with third countries.
Minister Alsuwaidi said global demand for critical minerals is expected to triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040, underscoring the need for sustained investment. Helberg highlighted the UAE as a key US partner, noting its US$1.4 trillion investment commitment in the United States over the next decade.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
