Business

Mississippi releases strategy to build critical minerals industry

A Mississippi state economic development agency said in a social media post that it is releasing a strategy to build a new critical minerals industry in the state.

The post said the strategy aligns with President Donald J. Trump’s Energy Dominance agenda and that it will help strengthen America’s economy, energy independence and national security. The post also said the plan could create new opportunities for Mississippi and the nation and linked to a report on the state’s economic development website.

Critical minerals — a category that typically includes elements used in batteries, electronics and defense systems — have become a focus for federal and state officials seeking to reduce reliance on foreign supplies and bolster domestic manufacturing. Developing a local industry can affect supply chains, workforce development and investment in related technologies.

State officials did not provide additional details in the post about timelines, funding or specific projects. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Jon Myers

Jon Ross Myers founded Mississippi News Group in 2013. Before founding the organization, he worked at The Daily Mississippian, The Marion Salute and The Southern Sentinel. A Mississippi journalist and writer based in Ripley, he received second place in poetry in the 2025 William Faulkner Literary Competition for "The Garden."