Volt Project: The US Strategic Reserve for Critical Minerals
The Volt Project is a US government initiative established in early February 2026 aimed at creating a strategic reserve of critical minerals to protect the economy and national security from global supply chain disruptions and reduce dependency on China.
The Volt Project, launched by the US government in February 2026, seeks to establish a strategic reserve of crucial minerals within the United States. This initiative aims to safeguard the US economy and national security against global supply chain disruptions while decreasing reliance on China, which currently dominates the processing of rare minerals. By creating storage reserves similar to the strategic petroleum reserve, US companies will have the opportunity to store raw materials and withdraw them as needed, enhancing supply chain security.
The principal goals of the Volt Project include ensuring the supply chains of essential US industries and hedging against market fluctuations caused by international dependencies. By reducing reliance on a single country for critical mineral processing, the project aims to stabilize supply chains and absorb shocks from potential disruptions and price volatility. Moreover, the project provides a mechanism for companies to predict costs better through fixed pricing and advance access fees that offer a safeguard against unexpected price spikes.
In essence, the Volt Project represents a significant step toward fortifying the US economy's foundations in critical minerals, offering mechanisms for price stability and creating a local alternative that serves as a financial hedge against market disruptions. As global reliance on supply chains escalates in sectors such as technology and renewable energy, projects like Volt could prove essential for maintaining economic resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainties.