UAE and US sign framework on securing supply of rare earths

The United Arab Emirates and the United States have signed a Framework on Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths, on the sidelines of the US Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, DC.

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The framework underscores the depth of bilateral cooperation and a shared commitment to building diversified, resilient supply chains for materials essential to defence, advanced technologies, and long-term industrial growth.

The framework was signed by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, and Jacob Helberg, US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs.

The signing took place as the Ministry of Investment joined international partners at the US Critical Minerals Ministerial, at the invitation of the US Department of State, engaging with more than 50 global counterparts to advance dialogue and cooperation aimed at strengthening secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains.

The framework establishes a coordinated approach to accelerate the secure supply of critical minerals, leveraging existing policy tools, including the US’ industrial demand and stockpiling infrastructure and the UAE's strategic reserves. It also provides a platform to mobilise public and private investment across the value chain, spanning mining, separation, processing, recycling, and downstream activities. Both sides commit to supporting investment through a range of mechanisms, including financing, guarantees, equity investments, offtake arrangements, insurance, and regulatory facilitation.