China Controls the Minerals. Can Project Vault Protect America? | Power Hour

America’s battery supply chain has become a national-security, economic and technology story—and the United States is racing to reduce vulnerabilities built up over decades.

On this episode of ⁠Power Hour⁠, host ⁠Todd M. Schoenberger⁠, CEO of ⁠CrossCheck Media Inc⁠., sits down with Steve Christensen, Executive Director of the Responsible Battery Coalition, for a deep dive into Project Vault, critical minerals, China and the future of America’s battery supply chain.

Christensen explains how Project Vault differs from a traditional government stockpile. Manufacturers identify which critical materials they need, while the system works with participating suppliers to secure those materials and provide greater stability during potential disruptions. He also discusses the billion-dollar participation announced by Glencore and Mercuria and why he believes the initiative can help insulate U.S. manufacturers from sudden supply shocks. Power Hour featuring Steve Chri… Power Hour featuring Steve Chri…

But Christensen argues that mining alone isn't enough. America also needs domestic processing and refining capacity. As he explains, raw materials extracted in the United States can still ultimately depend on China if America lacks the capability to transform those materials into usable industrial inputs. Power Hour featuring Steve Chri…

The conversation also examines antimony, lithium, cobalt and graphite, the importance of battery recycling and circular supply chains, and the potential consequences for automobiles, defense, energy infrastructure and AI data centers if geopolitical tensions disrupt access to critical materials. Christensen specifically warns that greater U.S. dependence on battery-intensive data-center infrastructure could create another strategic vulnerability if key portions of the supply chain remain tied to China. Power Hour featuring Steve Chri… Power Hour featuring Steve Chri…

From the battery starting your car to the backup power supporting the AI revolution, this episode explores a question increasingly important to American industry:

Who controls the materials that power the modern economy?

🔗 Website: ⁠https://biztalktodaytv.com⁠

📧 Contact on Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

📢 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or