Processing Trump’s Minerals Policy

Jan 24, 2026

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In this episode, I (Howard Klein) connect fast-moving signals across critical minerals, power markets, and U.S. industrial policy coming out of Saudi Arabia’s Future Minerals Forum, Davos/DERVOS, and Washington, DC.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction
(08:31) Tesla Refinery
(10:26) Policy signals from Washington
(15:04) DERVOS panel highlights
(17:41) Chamath Palahapitiya on Power
(19:16) Albemarle
(19:28) Sigma Lithium

DERVOS 2025 Panel: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XnNN8QmghJsUZd7tDcccR?si=kM0uILyBR3ymguUFQ6B2GQ

Washington looks increasingly like it’s moved from policy papers to capital allocation: the SECURE Minerals Act, renewed focus on stockpiling and protecting mining returns, and references to deals/platforms involving MP Materials, Lithium Americas, Korea Zinc, Orion Mine Finance, and TechMet.

At the same time, power markets are getting political. A joint letter tied to the National Energy Dominance Council and governors to PJM Interconnection pushed for capacity market reform—price certainty for new generation, clearer cost allocation to data centers, and consumer protections—fueling broader debate about grid strain, AI load growth, and investment needs.

The connective tissue: batteries and materials are now central to mineral policy, grid design, AI infrastructure, and capital markets. With Tesla’s 50,000 tpa lithium hydroxide refinery now operating and the U.S. likely needing many more plants, I argue lithium price stability is the missing link—and why a Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) matters.

Clips included from DERVOS (a “Davos for DERs”) featuring Drew Baglino (Heron Power/ ex-Tesla), LG Energy Solution, and Ember Energy on scaling storage and the shift from petrostates to electrostates.