The article discusses a directive from the White House that aims to address national security risks linked to the United States’ dependence on imported processed critical minerals and their derived products. These materials are essential for various industries, including defense, telecommunications, and energy, and their supply chains face vulnerabilities due to global disruptions such as geopolitical tensions and market manipulations by foreign suppliers.

In response, the Secretary of Commerce has been directed to conduct an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. This investigation will assess the impact of these imports on national security and explore possible measures to enhance domestic production and secure supply chains.

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