Meeting the critical minerals stockpile challenge | Fast Forward

Geopolitics, resilience and the race to secure supply 

As governments and industry move to stabilize supply chains, one question stands out: what does it take to build a critical minerals stockpile that supports both economic and national security? In this Fast Forward episode, Major General Alberto Rosende, CEO of M2I Global, joins Andrea Hotter with William Adams and Alex Cook to unpack the next generation of the US critical minerals stockpile strategy – and its impact. 

Key takeaways on the modern critical minerals stockpile 

The role of stockpiles has expanded beyond defense into the economic mainstream. Public–private models, smarter tech and circularity are reshaping how resilience is built and measured. 

• As Rosende puts it, a stockpile “really hedges against supply chain disruption,” protecting the pillars of the economy and national defense. 

• Cook notes that stockpiles need not be purely primary mined material – “it can come from recycled material as well.” 

• Public–private models increase flexibility and resilience. 

• AI and digital tracing enhance inventory visibility and control. 

• Priority lists adapt as competition and risks evolve. 

• Collaboration and recycling are central to long-term resilience, while greater scale and transparency reshape global strategies. 

Expanding the scope of the critical minerals stockpile 

America’s stockpile is shifting from a narrow military tool to an economic safety net that reduces foreign reliance and keeps industry running. M2I Global emphasizes secure, traceable and transparent reserves. 

• Rosende explains that the National Defense Stockpile is “very, very narrowly” focused on reconstituting capabilities lost in conflict from contested environments. 

• He adds that the broader economy “is really vicariously positioned on the critical mineral supply chain” it relies on. 

• Minerals from contested or high-risk regions are increasingly prioritized. 

• The aim is to support both defense and civilian industry needs. 

Hawthorne Army Depot: A logistics powerhouse 

Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada underpins the strategy with capacity, connectivity and security. Its scale enables robust logistics and rapid deployment when needed. 

• Rosende describes Hawthorne as “the largest ammunition depot in the world,” spanning 147,000+ acres with millions of square feet of storage. 

• He highlights an “extensive rail network” connecting nearly every corner of the installation. 

• As Adams quips, the site is “like 75,000 soccer fields” – vast by any measure. 

• Security and military support ensure readiness for national emergencies. 

Prioritizing what matters: Strategy over size 

Readiness – not accumulation – defines success. Priorities are dynamic, reflecting export controls and industrial needs, with energy storage materials front and center. 

• Rosende notes that “11 of 12” Silverado strategic defense critical minerals have been hit by Chinese controls or bans. 

• He argues that “lead-acid batteries are going to sustain our energy storage requirements for a long, long time.” 

• The team is working to “assure the supply chain” for these needs. 

• Copper, lead and storage critical materials are elevated, and agility is prioritized over volume.

Balancing technology and judgment 

Data and AI inform end-to-end decisions, but human oversight prevents market distortion. Tight industry–government coordination ensures effective execution. 

• Rosende says the platform’s AI engine will ingest data “from sourcing to processing, to refining, to stockpiling… and to its consumption rates.” 

• He emphasizes there will “always be inputs” beyond what models recommend. 

• Avoiding distortion is key – “we don’t want to distort markets,” Rosende stresses. 

Ownership and governance 

A hybrid public–private model creates optionality, shares risk and speeds response. Capacity can be pooled while allowing industry to hedge supply risk directly. 

• Rosende outlines a “complete hybrid” in which private manufacturers hedge mineral inflows by supporting the buying and holding of reserves. 

• Government and private entities both hold reserves. 

• Hybrid models enable faster, more flexible interventions. 

Smarter, safer stockpiling with technology and trust 

Traceability and platform based inventory management build confidence and agility. Digital fingerprinting enables end-to-end custody and faster decision-making. 

• Rosende explains that the Strategic Mineral Reserve will manage when to “move it,” “sell it off” or take other actions. 

• He adds that digital fingerprinting will track minerals “from its source… through its custody and inventory management… into its release into an industry.” 

• An open exchange and secure storage aim to increase market trust. 

The global perspective: Partnership and the future 

Allied efforts in the EU, Australia and beyond reflect a shared focus on resilience and recycling. Coordination will be vital as supply tightens – even among friendly competitors. 

• Rosende points to Australia’s call to develop a strategic mineral reserve. 

• He expects “a bit of competition amongst friends,” with everyone aiming to be “at the head of the line.” 

• Recycling, Rosende says, must be integrated across critical minerals strategies.

Why the critical minerals stockpile matters 

A transparent, responsive stockpile can strengthen competitiveness, secure essential inputs and build trust across the value chain. It sets a proactive model for managing future risk. 

• Success, Rosende says, looks like being “in control of our own future” through a resilient, transparent critical minerals supply chain. 

• Resilience for both industry and defense. 

• Transparency that builds market confidence. 

• Strategic advantage through assured access. 

Interested in further insights? Tune into the Fast Forward podcast for in-depth discussions on global trade, market trends and infrastructure innovation.