American Tungsten Corp. (TSXV: TUNG, OTCQB: DEMRF)
Building America’s Defense Critical Metals Supply
A lobbying boom is underway in the U.S. capital, fueled by the government’s strategic push to build up the domestic critical minerals supply chain and break China’s dominance. At least a dozen companies in lithium, copper, rare earths, and geothermal sectors have hired influential lobbying firms this year to secure federal investments, streamline project approvals, and lock in long-term purchase agreements, according to a Reuters review of public records and interviews with industry executives and officials.
The list of lobbyists includes firms with deep political connections, such as Ballard Partners, led by Trump ally Brian Ballard, and The Bernhardt Group, founded by former Interior Secretary David Bernnhardt. Mining giant BHP’s subsidiary, BHP Minerals Service, last month retained Bernhardt’s group to lobby on critical minerals trade issues.
Ali Haji, CEO of American Tungsten Corp. (CSE: TUNG, OTCQB: DEMRF ), discussed the company’s latest developments and upcoming plans in an interview for METALS 100. American Tungsten is a Canadian exploration company focused on high-potential tungsten and magnetite assets in North America. The company has joined the U.S. Defense Industrial Base Consortium to support the defense sector and has completed an oversubscribed financing of CAD $7 million, demonstrating strong market confidence in its critical metals strategy.
This intense corporate outreach coincides with a significant strategic shift by the White House. It is moving beyond traditional subsidies towards taking direct equity stakes in companies, aiming to counter China’s established global leadership. China’s dominance is built not only on rich natural resources but also on a formidable foundation of advanced smelting technology and a complete, integrated supply chain. The country is now refining its governance of this chain, profoundly impacting global supply dynamics.
This policy pivot has electrified financial markets. The Sprott Lithium Miners ETF has surged more than 35% over the past month. After the government started deploying money this year, every U.S. mineral company board is now thinking about how to get a piece of it, said Ken Hoffman, a commodity strategist at Red Cloud Securities.
While private capital, such as a recent multi-billion dollar commitment from JPMorgan, is flowing in, government funding remains crucial. Private investors often remain wary of junior mining firms and emerging processing technologies.
The lobbying efforts are already yielding tangible results:
In this complex arena intersecting geopolitics, trade, and advanced technology, lobbyists often position themselves as “educators” for the 535 members of Congress and the executive branch. As the administration advances new policies, including on seabed mining, the corporate race to secure a position in this strategic sector is intensifying.
“This is a critical time for the industry and government to be working together,” said Matthew Hornor, CEO of Falcon. A battle for influence, central to the energy transition and national security, is quietly reshaping the power structure within America’s minerals industry.
