The Pentagon is establishing a new initiative—reported as “Deal Team Six”—to strengthen U.S. access to critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements that are widely used in defense and high-tech manufacturing. Bloomberg and The Japan Times report that the unit operates out of Washington, with leadership drawn from people described as former Wall Street professionals. The effort focuses on financing and dealmaking designed to increase rare earth production, processing, and supply-chain capacity in the United States and aligned partners.
Both outlets describe the plan as a more aggressive U.S. industrial policy posture, using targeted funding and structured transactions to accelerate projects that can compete with China’s dominance in rare earth markets. The sources characterize the initiative as aimed at challenging what they describe as China’s “grip” on rare earth power by reducing supply vulnerabilities and dependence. The reporting indicates the Pentagon is moving quickly to structure investments and partnerships intended to expand capacity and strengthen resilience for industries tied to national security. The initiative’s scope, timelines, and funding details beyond the reported emphasis on “billions” are not specified in the provided excerpts.
