Why did the White House invite Rio Tinto and BHP to meet with Donald Trump?

The White House invited Rio Tinto Group, BHP Group, and other major mining companies to a meeting with President Donald Trump to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to reducing U.S. dependence on China-dominated critical minerals supply chains, showcase efforts to spur domestic critical minerals development and processing, and unveil new deals and memoranda of understanding supporting that goal.

What is the broader policy context behind this meeting?

The meeting follows the U.S. government’s multi-billion-dollar critical minerals policy launched over a year ago—committing approximately $10 billion in taxpayer funds to build a domestic 'mine-to-magnet' supply chain for rare earths and other critical minerals essential to national security, clean energy, and defense—accelerated after China imposed export controls on certain rare earth minerals and permanent magnets.

Rio Tinto, BHP Summoned to Critical Minerals Meeting with Trump

Aug 6, 2026

The White House invited top mining executives, including Rio Tinto and BHP, to a meeting with President Trump to accelerate US critical mineral production and reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains.

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Rio Tinto, BHP Summoned to Critical Minerals Meeting with Trump

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