The United States is actively pursuing a coalition of nations to secure critical minerals essential for technological advancement as part of the "Pax Silica" initiative. This program, launched by the Department of State in December, aims to establish a new economic framework that prioritizes secure supply chains and trusted technology, with a significant focus on Greenland for its rich mineral resources.
Key participants in this initiative include Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, which formalized their commitment by signing the “Pax Silica Declaration” on December 12. Additional countries like Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have since joined, with India anticipated to follow. Despite the lack of formal treaty status, this alignment seeks to reduce dependency on China, which dominates the rare earth processing market.
Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg characterized the initiative as a strategic effort to enhance U.S. competitiveness in technology and counter China's influence. The framework envisions the U.S. offering advanced technology and security, while partner nations contribute resources and manufacturing capabilities. The commitment to stable supply chains has garnered attention from both the Trump and Biden administrations, reflecting a long-standing U.S. policy focus on national security through mineral resource management.