Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 35

First, in a major reversal, the Trump Administration is reinstating hundreds of employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, known as NIOSH, after sweeping staffing cuts last year. Bloomberg reports that nearly 875 workers, including those from NIOSH’s mining division, were terminated in April during broader Health and Human Services layoffs that also impacted the CDC, FDA and NIH. The reinstatement marks a significant policy shift following months of uncertainty for agency workers and criticism from industry advocates who warned that cuts could undermine miner safety. NIOSH plays a critical role in occupational research and hazard prevention, particularly for miners, firefighters and industrial workers. The move is expected to restore research and field operations essential to workplace safety standards nationwide.

Next, a group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced a bill to establish a $2.5 billion federal stockpile of critical minerals which aims to stabilize markets and reduce dependence on China. The proposed Strategic Resilience Reserve would operate much like the Federal Reserve, with a seven-member board overseeing the purchase and storage of vital materials such as lithium, nickel and rare earths. The measure comes amid ongoing concerns about Chinese price manipulation and the impact on U.S. producers, including Albemarle and MP Materials. The legislation prioritizes recycled materials but includes mined sources, and even allows allied nations to contribute financially and join the reserve. Supporters argue that creating a domestic stockpile could establish a Western price benchmark for certain minerals, safeguard national security and provide steady demand for U.S. mining operations. The bill has backing from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers and reflects growing bipartisan urgency to shore up critical supply chains.

Finally, treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is calling on G7 nations and key partners from Europe, Asia and Australia to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals. The meeting, which was hosted in Washington this week, brought together finance officials representing economies that account for roughly 60 percent of global mineral demand. U.S. officials say the goal is to rally like-minded nations toward coordinated strategies, including shared reserves and expanded production agreements. China currently refines the majority of the world’s lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earths. The meeting comes after reports of China restricting exports of key rare earth materials to Japan. The U.S. is expected to issue a statement after the meeting, reaffirming its commitment to lead on mineral security through partnerships with allies like Australia and Ukraine.

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