The U.S. military has allocated nearly $15 million to fund mineral projects in Canada, focusing on essential resources such as copper, gold, graphite and cobalt. This investment, in the form of grants, is part of a broader strategy to secure critical minerals necessary for civilian and military applications. These minerals are the lifeblood of modern technology — from medicine, batteries and electronics to engines, cars, planes, drones and even munitions. The U.S. aims to reduce its dependency on China for mineral supplies, a concern that evokes memories of the aluminum shortages before World War II. By securing a stable supply chain, the military can mitigate risks associated with geopolitical tensions. Under Canada's Defence Production Act, the U.S. could prioritize these supplies in a national security crisis. "These minerals are vital for everything from electric vehicle (EV) batteries to advanced military equipment," Gordana Slepcev, COO ...