NOTE TO STUDENTS: Before answering the questions, read the “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources.”

1. What is significant about President Trump's announcement about the creation of the strategic critical minerals reserve?

2. Who is the strategic petroleum reserve - and the existing stockpile of critical minerals - to be used by?

3. What industries need rare earth minerals to make their products?

4. List some of the critical minerals used by tech companies and electric vehicle manufacturers.

5. Which companies are expected to be involved in the Project Vault stockpile?

6. Watch the videos under "Resources" below. What does John Jovanovic, president of Export-Import Bank, say about financing for the strategic critical minerals reserve and taxpayers?

7. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is an emergency stockpile of petroleum maintained by the US Department of Energy. It is the largest publicly known emergency supply in the world; its underground tanks in Louisiana and Texas have capacity for 714 million barrels. The U.S. started the petroleum reserve in 1975 to protect against supply disruptions, like the 1973-74 oil embargo or natural disasters, by providing a backup supply to stabilize markets and meet national obligations.

What is your reaction to President Trump's work to establish a critical minerals strategic reserve to counter China and ensure American businesses are never harmed by any market disruptions or shortage?

NOTE: On February 4, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The United States will welcome delegations from over 50 nations to advance collective efforts to strengthen and diversify critical minerals supply chains.