America’s need for critical materials has reached a significant moment. The urgency has now been made official policy. On July 20, 2026, Executive Order 14415 was signed, highlighting that the U.S. will no longer tolerate supply chains vulnerable to disruptions. This includes exposure to physical threats, economic pressures, or dependence on geopolitical adversaries.
Starting January 1, 2027, the Department of War will considerably limit waivers for materials sourced from adversaries. Contractors in defense and commercial aerospace sectors will face new mandates to trace components back to their raw-material origins. This order underscores that national security and economic stability rely not only on military equipment but also on the essential materials and components used in manufacturing and maintenance.
The initiative includes rebuilding outdated shipyards and aerospace production lines. However, this entire effort—from data centers for artificial intelligence to submarines and satellites—still relies heavily on materials sourced from competitors. Despite these challenges, America is not without resources. At Senator Dave McCormick’s Defense and Innovation Summit, Jamie Dimon spoke of an industrial revival, with JPMorgan announcing a $24 million investment in maritime businesses and workforce development. The underlying message was that military and economic strength are interconnected and essential for a democratic world.
In today’s world, production includes factories, labor, and vital materials like copper and rare earths. Economic strength, technological competitiveness, and military security depend on control over these materials. An industrial arsenal requires tangible materials. While artificial intelligence excels in many areas, it cannot produce raw materials; these must still be sourced and processed.
The challenge presents a chance: within your home or office are likely unused devices containing essential materials required for our industrial future.
America still relies on unstable foreign supply chains for minerals crucial for AI, manufacturing, energy, and defense. China leads in refining, contributing to 90% of global rare earth processing and leading mineral refinement. For instance, in 2025, China’s export restrictions quickly disrupted global supply chains.
Rebuilding American mines is vital, but mining alone cannot meet rising demand. Swift action in recovering materials from old electronics can strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce foreign dependence. Urban mining is not only an environmental measure but a strategic approach to turn waste into resources, ensuring economic resilience.
Without these materials, industrial revival remains just a vision. While companies like ERI process vast amounts of electronic devices, many still evade recycling. Technological advances improve recovery processes, but devices must be collected first.
Data security concerns present a major obstacle. It’s crucial to build trust in secure data destruction alongside recovery technology improvements to encourage responsible recycling.
Globally, around 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced in 2022, with only 22% recycled responsibly. The remainder constitutes a significant loss of materials that America can’t continue to ignore. Policymakers must introduce a “Green Fence” law to prevent the export of unused electronics before recovering critical materials. Exporting these devices means exporting American resources and jobs.
Technologies currently exist to recover these materials and reintegrate them into domestic supply chains. By recycling electronic waste effectively, billions of pounds of critical materials could be recovered annually, bolstering American manufacturing and national security.
The resources are present, and so is the opportunity. America now needs the determination to retain critical resources domestically.
John Shegerian, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ERI, advocates for a circular economy and critical mineral recovery, drawing from over two decades of experience at the intersection of technology, environmental stewardship, and public policy.