Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 101 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended, on Recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials

7/30/2026

Presidential Memoranda

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Action Summary

Determination Basis: Issued pursuant to Section 101 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended, regarding recoverable critical minerals and materials (CMMs).
National Defense Implications: Emphasizes that CMMs are vital industrial resources for national defense, and the current dependence on imported CMMs poses significant supply chain and national security risks.
Immediate Action Required: Calls for urgent measures to secure and ensure an adequate supply of recoverable CMMs to prevent disruptions in the civilian market.
Definitions Clarified:
- Recoverable CMMs: Includes black mass, end-of-life goods, rare-earth permanent magnets after manufacturing, swarf, and other waste containing critical minerals; explicitly excludes copper scrap addressed in a previous proclamation.
- Critical Minerals and Materials: As defined by relevant executive orders and statutes, including EO 14241 (2025) and the Energy Act of 2020, with applicability to other designated minerals and materials.
Implementation Authority: Directs the Secretary of Commerce to implement the determination via regulations, rules, guidance, and procedures under the delegated authority of Executive Order 13603, and mandates publication in the Federal Register.
Presidential Signature: Signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 30, 2026.

Risks & Considerations

The presidential determination emphasizes the need for a secure supply of critical minerals and materials (CMMs), which could lead to increased federal oversight and regulation in industries related to these resources. Vanderbilt University may need to adapt its research initiatives to align with national interests in mineral production.
Reliance on foreign sources for CMMs poses significant risks to national security, which could indirectly affect universities involved in research and development related to defense and technology. Vanderbilt may face pressure to contribute to national defense initiatives, potentially diverting resources from other areas.
The implementation of this determination may lead to increased competition for resources and funding among universities engaged in research on CMMs, potentially affecting Vanderbilt’s research positioning and funding opportunities.
Vanderbilt must consider how changes in federal regulations regarding CMMs could impact its partnerships with industries that rely on these materials, particularly in engineering and technology programs.

Impacted Programs

School of Engineering may need to increase its focus on sustainable and innovative approaches to resource management, particularly in relation to CMMs, to remain competitive in research funding.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences could see an increase in demand for research related to mineral extraction and sustainability practices, leading to new collaboration opportunities with federal agencies.
Vanderbilt’s Research Office may need to develop strategies to engage with federal initiatives focused on CMMs, ensuring that the university is positioned to secure grants and contracts related to national defense and resource management.

Financial Impact

Increased federal focus on CMMs could lead to additional funding opportunities for research in related fields, but it may also require Vanderbilt to invest in new infrastructure or programs to align with federal priorities.
The shift towards securing a domestic supply of CMMs may affect the financial landscape for industries tied to these materials, potentially leading to fluctuations in funding for university-industry partnerships.
As federal regulations evolve, there may be changes in grant eligibility criteria, necessitating that Vanderbilt adapt its funding strategies to align with new priorities set forth by the government.

Relevance Score: 4 (The determination presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs and partnerships.)

Key Actions

The Vanderbilt School of Engineering should assess and enhance its research initiatives focused on critical minerals and materials (CMMs). Engaging in partnerships with industries involved in the extraction and recycling of CMMs could position the university as a leader in the field, facilitating the development of innovative technologies that address supply chain issues.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor and engage with the Department of Commerce regarding regulations and guidance issued under the Defense Production Act. This proactive approach will ensure that Vanderbilt is aligned with federal priorities and can leverage funding or collaborative opportunities related to national defense and resource management.
Vanderbilt’s Sustainability and Environmental Management Office should explore initiatives aimed at recycling and reusing critical minerals. Developing programs that focus on sustainability in mineral recovery can enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation as a forward-thinking institution committed to environmental stewardship.
The Department of Public Policy should conduct research on the implications of the federal focus on CMMs for local and state economies. This research can guide Vanderbilt’s engagement with policymakers to advocate for sustainable practices and equitable resource management in the region.
The Vanderbilt Center for Energy and Environment should initiate interdisciplinary collaborations to study the impacts of CMM supply chain disruptions on various sectors. This research can inform both university policy and contribute to national discussions on energy security and economic resilience.

Opportunities

The executive order provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to lead research projects on innovative extraction and recycling technologies for critical minerals. This could attract funding and enhance the university’s visibility in national defense discussions.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the emphasis on securing the supply of CMMs by developing educational programs and workshops aimed at training the next generation of engineers and scientists in sustainable resource management practices.
The focus on critical minerals offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Sustainable Solutions to engage with industry stakeholders and develop partnerships that promote sustainable practices in mineral extraction and recycling.
By collaborating with federal agencies and private sectors, Vanderbilt can position itself as a key player in the national strategy for securing critical minerals, enhancing its role in policy advocacy and research.
Vanderbilt’s commitment to interdisciplinary research can be leveraged to create a comprehensive approach to understanding the economic impacts of CMM supply chains, fostering collaborations across various disciplines to address complex challenges.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order calls for major process changes in resource management and strategic partnerships to address the national defense implications of critical minerals.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.8

Timeline for Implementation

Immediate action is required, as evidenced by the language “It is imperative that the United States takes immediate action to secure the supply of recoverable CMMs.”

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Commerce: The memorandum is directed to the Secretary of Commerce, instructing the department to implement measures—under the authority of the Defense Production Act—to secure a reliable supply of recoverable critical minerals and materials essential for national defense.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only one primary agency is directly impacted by this order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Commerce – Charged with implementing the determination by issuing regulations, rules, guidance, and procedures under the authority delegated by Executive Order 13603, including publishing the determination in the Federal Register.

Relevance Score: 5 (This directive directly affects a Cabinet-level official responsible for critical national defense-related policy implementation.)