Memorandum of Understanding Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand Concerning Cooperation to Diversify Global Critical Minerals Supply Chains and Promote Investments

10/26/2025

Briefings & Statements

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Action Summary

Objective: Enhance U.S.-Thai cooperation to diversify and secure global critical minerals supply chains, promote trade and investment, and support domestic value addition rather than raw material exports.
Areas of Cooperation:
- Exchange of information, technical expertise, and best practices to boost competitiveness in Thailand’s critical minerals sector.
- Coordinated efforts on projects and tenders, ensuring early notification for potential investments and technology transfer initiatives.
- Facilitate capacity building, training, and development of domestic processing industries.
Investment & Project Priorities:
- Emphasize secure and resilient investments in exploration, extraction, processing, refining, recycling, and recovery of critical minerals.
- Include provisions for technology transfer, capacity-building, and establishing streamlined permitting processes.
Market & Regulatory Framework:
- Adopt market-oriented policies and fair-trade practices to protect domestic critical minerals and rare earths markets.
- Create high-standard marketplaces with regulatory measures like price floors.
Implementation:
- Regular in-person or virtual meetings at the working level for continuous dialogue and addressing time-sensitive issues.
- Independent project evaluation by each Participant as opportunities arise.
Commencement & Discontinuation:
- Effective upon signature and subject to funding availability; non-legally binding.
- Either Participant may discontinue cooperation with prior written notice, without affecting ongoing activities.

Risks & Considerations

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Thailand focuses on diversifying global critical minerals supply chains, which could impact Vanderbilt University by influencing research priorities and funding opportunities in related fields such as geology, environmental science, and engineering.
There is a potential risk that changes in trade and investment policies could affect the availability of critical minerals for research and development purposes at Vanderbilt, particularly if the university relies on these materials for specific projects.
The emphasis on technology transfer and capacity building in the MOU may present opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in collaborative research and educational programs with Thai institutions, potentially enhancing its global partnerships and academic reputation.
Vanderbilt may need to consider the implications of the MOU on its existing partnerships and collaborations, particularly if they involve critical minerals or related technologies, to ensure compliance with new trade and investment regulations.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could see increased demand for expertise in critical minerals processing and technology development, potentially leading to new research initiatives and funding opportunities.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences may benefit from expanded research collaborations and data sharing with Thai counterparts, enhancing its research capabilities and international reach.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Global Strategy might play a key role in facilitating partnerships and exchanges with Thai institutions, leveraging the MOU to strengthen Vanderbilt’s global presence and influence.

Financial Impact

The MOU’s focus on promoting trade and investment in critical minerals could lead to new funding opportunities for Vanderbilt, particularly in areas related to mineral exploration, processing, and recycling technologies.
Vanderbilt may need to adjust its grant application strategies to align with the priorities outlined in the MOU, potentially increasing its competitiveness for federal and international research funding.
There could be financial implications for Vanderbilt’s existing research projects if changes in critical minerals supply chains affect the availability or cost of these materials.

Relevance Score: 3 (The MOU presents moderate risks and opportunities, particularly in terms of research and international collaboration.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Global Strategy should explore partnerships with Thai universities and research institutions to engage in joint research and development projects related to critical minerals. This could enhance Vanderbilt’s global research footprint and provide opportunities for technology transfer and capacity building.
The School of Engineering could focus on developing innovative technologies for the exploration, extraction, and processing of critical minerals. By aligning with the objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding, the school can position itself as a leader in sustainable mineral resource management.
Vanderbilt’s Center for International Business should analyze the potential impacts of this agreement on global supply chains and identify opportunities for U.S.-Thai business partnerships. This analysis can inform strategic decisions and foster international trade and investment collaborations.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences could conduct research on the environmental impacts of critical mineral extraction and processing. This research can contribute to the development of best practices and policies that ensure sustainable and responsible resource management.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in U.S. policy regarding critical minerals and engage with policymakers to advocate for research funding and support for university-led initiatives in this area.

Opportunities

The Memorandum of Understanding presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt University to expand its research and educational programs in critical minerals and rare earths. By leveraging its expertise in science and engineering, Vanderbilt can contribute to the development of innovative solutions for sustainable resource management.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on critical minerals by developing new academic programs and courses that address the technical, regulatory, and policy aspects of mineral resource management. This could attract students interested in pursuing careers in this growing field.
The emphasis on international cooperation and technology transfer offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Technology Transfer Office to engage in partnerships with industry and government entities. By facilitating the commercialization of research innovations, the office can enhance Vanderbilt’s impact on global supply chains.
By engaging with the broader international community and participating in global forums on critical minerals, Vanderbilt can position itself as a thought leader in the field. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of critical mineral policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative research and policy development.

Relevance Score: 3 (The Memorandum of Understanding presents opportunities for research and international collaboration, requiring some adjustments to Vanderbilt’s strategic initiatives.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

N/A

There is no specific deadline mentioned; the MOU becomes operative upon signature and establishes a framework for cooperation without a mandated timeline.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

The White House: As the executive office that initiates and signals high-level international policy, its involvement underscores the administration’s commitment to strategic mineral security and economic partnerships.
U.S. Department of State: Traditionally responsible for handling diplomatic agreements and international negotiations, the State Department will be a key player in implementing and managing aspects of this MOU.
U.S. Department of Commerce: Given the focus on trade, investment, and enhancing domestic value chains in critical minerals, the Commerce Department is likely to play an integral role in aligning regulatory measures and promoting commercial opportunities.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Involved in assessing and analyzing the nation’s mineral resources, the USGS would be essential for providing technical expertise and data regarding critical mineral asset evaluations.
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR): Tasked with negotiating trade agreements and addressing international investment issues, the USTR would support the MOU’s provisions related to market access and fair-trade practices.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Due to the national security implications connected to secure and resilient supply chains for critical minerals, the DOE may be engaged in ensuring energy and resource aspects are integrated into the broader cooperation framework.

Relevance Score: 3 (A moderate number of Federal Agencies are impacted by this international cooperation MOU on critical minerals.)

Responsible Officials

President of the United States (Donald J. Trump) – As the U.S. signatory and chief executive, he is responsible for directing high-level policy and intergovernmental cooperation on the critical minerals initiative.
Prime Minister of Thailand (Anutin Charnvirakul) – As the Thai signatory, he is charged with overseeing Thailand’s engagement, ensuring national directives align with the cooperative objectives and implementation measures.
Designated Working-Level Government Officers – Both governments will appoint officials at the operational level to coordinate meetings, share information, and implement specific projects and regulatory measures under the MOU.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials and require coordinated leadership between the highest government authorities.)