Announcing the creation of FORGE, short for the Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio described it as the "successor to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)" at a U.S.-led ministerial meeting on critical minerals in Washington, D.C.
The inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting was held with representatives from some 54 countries, along with top U.S. officials including Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
The ministerial gathering comes as the U.S. ramps up efforts to reduce its reliance on Chinese critical minerals after China's export restrictions on rare earth materials.
"FORGE, which will be chaired by [South] Korea through June, will lead with bold and decisive action to address ongoing challenges in the global critical minerals marketplace," Rubio said.
Stressing that critical minerals and rare earths are "essential" for most advanced technologies, he urged "close partnership" among partners and allies. "Recognizing that governments alone cannot solve this problem, we are committed to close partnership with the private sector, including through Pax Silica, which will lead through investments in mining, refining and processing, end use applications, and recycling and reprocessing."
"Understanding the benefits of working together and building on the MSP, FORGE partners will collaborate at the policy and project levels to advance initiatives that strengthen diversified, resilient, and secure critical minerals supply chains," he added.
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