Defense & Critical Minerals
Explore the intersection of critical minerals and national defense — from strategic stockpiles and defense industrial base vulnerabilities to export controls and Congressional policy. Essential for defense professionals, policy analysts, and security researchers.
Metals U Education
Program Features
- Self-paced
- Online
- Interactive LMS Content
- Blockchain-based Certificate
Program Features
- Self-paced
- Online
- Interactive LMS Content
- Blockchain-based Certificate
Description
The Minerals Underpinning National Security
From fighter jet engines to guided missile systems, electronic warfare platforms to satellite components, modern defense technology depends on a specific set of critical minerals — many of which are sourced predominantly from geopolitical adversaries or fragile supply chains.
This course examines the critical minerals challenge through a national security lens. Drawing on reports from the U.S. Department of Defense, Government Accountability Office, Congressional Research Service, Defense Logistics Agency, and leading policy institutes including CNAS and BPC, students will gain a deep understanding of strategic stockpiling, defense industrial base vulnerabilities, export control regimes, and legislative responses including the National Defense Authorization Act.
Who This Class Is For
- Defense and government contractors
- National security policy professionals
- Military officers and acquisition personnel
- Congressional staff and policy researchers
Program Syllabus
Module 1: Critical Minerals in Defense Applications
Which minerals matter to defense and why. Specialty metals in weapons systems, electronics, and propulsion. The defense supply chain map.
Module 2: The National Defense Stockpile
History and purpose of strategic stockpiling. Current inventory and gaps. DLA Strategic Materials program overview.
Module 3: Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Concentration of processing in adversary nations. Import reliance metrics. Case studies of supply disruption risk.
Module 4: Export Controls & Trade Policy
BIS export control framework. China's export restriction actions (gallium, germanium, graphite). Responses from allied nations.
Module 5: Legislative & Policy Frameworks
NDAA critical minerals provisions. Executive orders on supply chain security. The Minerals Security Partnership. Congressional investigative findings.
Module 6: Building Resilience
Allied nation coordination. Domestic mining and processing investment. Defense procurement strategies and substitution R&D.