On April 28, the Responsible Battery Coalition (RBC) convened U.S. and international leaders at the Trump-Kennedy Center for a milestone gathering marking the 92nd anniversary of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and highlighting the launch of Project Vault, a new initiative to create an American critical mineral reserve to support U.S. business and international partners.
The event brought together public and private sector stakeholders from across the globe, including representatives from the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, among others. Their participation underscored the growing international focus on battery supply chain resilience and the importance of coordinated action among allies in uncertain times.
RBC welcomed remarks from John Jovanovic, Chairman and President of EXIM Bank, who emphasized the role of U.S. financing tools in advancing economic security and strengthening global partnerships. Senior EXIM leadership and advisory officials were also in attendance, reinforcing a shared commitment to bolstering America’s economic and national security interests.
The gathering also featured participation from senior representatives across the U.S. government, including the White House National Security Council, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of War, the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, the Small Business Administration, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the International Trade Administration, the House Select Committee on China, and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, among others.
Advancing Project Vault and Critical Mineral Strategy
A key focus of the evening was Project Vault, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen domestic and allied capabilities in critical mineral sourcing, processing, and storage. The initiative reflects growing recognition that supply chain vulnerabilities — particularly in midstream processing — pose significant economic and national security risks.
During the event, the RBC highlighted its joint report with the Coalition for a Prosperous America, developed with input from the RBC Critical Minerals Leadership Roundtable. The report, “Wartime Footing: How the United States Can Reverse China’s Dominance of Battery Minerals Processing,” outlines a roadmap to restore American and allied competitiveness in mineral processing and refining.
Looking Ahead
As demand for battery technologies continues to grow, RBC and its partners are focused on advancing policies and investments that ensure resilient, secure, and sustainable supply chains.
Organizations interested in supporting or participating in RBC’s work are encouraged to engage with the coalition as it continues to expand its efforts across the battery value chain.
