The US is making a major move into the Arctic to secure the future of critical minerals. While the Arctic’s harsh climate and lack of infrastructure have held back mining in the past, the Arctic is the new space to watch for resource security.
Early 2026 marked a significant surge in US government action regarding critical minerals and mining. This includes the creation of a mineral stockpile and the launch of Project Forge, a multilateral effort to develop a strategic trading block for these essential resources.
As one of the world's last global resource strongholds, the Arctic remains largely untapped by intensive industrial mining and industrial activity. While the region presents unique hurdles, it also offers strategic advantages that are making it a focal point for global resource strategy.
Watch as Wilson Center Visiting Fellow Rebecca Pincus explains why interest in Arctic mining is surging.
