A bill aims to reduce US dependence on other countries for critical minerals and energy, especially countering China's dominance. It proposes partnerships with allies to secure and diversify critical mineral supply chains and develop energy security compacts. The bill emphasizes the importance of a consistent supply of critical minerals for US industry and allied countries and includes detailed definitions for key terms. It authorizes the establishment of a "Minerals Security Partnership" and Energy Security Compacts to enhance security and access to critical minerals, emphasizing partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society. It establishes programs to promote international mining studies and advance mining education, amending the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act to include these programs as funded opportunities for international exchange. The bill also amends definitions related to minerals and education, impacting understanding and implementation of education and mining industry activities related to critical minerals in the US.
Developing Overseas Mineral Investments and New Allied Networks for Critical Energies Act or the DOMINANCE Act
This bill establishes a Bureau of Energy Security and Diplomacy in the Department of State and authorizes several programs to address access to energy and critical minerals.
The bureau must formulate and implement policies related to international energy, energy technology, critical minerals, and related supply chains. An assistant secretary is authorized to lead the bureau.
The bill authorizes the State Department to establish multi-year energy security compacts with partner countries. The purpose of such compacts is to increase reliable access to energy, electricity, or critical minerals for both parties to the compact.
The bill also authorizes the State Department to lead U.S. participation in a Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), whose purpose includes supporting investment in critical mineral mining, processing, and refining projects that enable critical mineral supply chains. The United States must prioritize MSP projects that advance the national and economic security interests of the United States and U.S. allies and partners.
Fellowships are authorized to support (1) U.S. citizens attending foreign mining institutions in order to build the capacity of the U.S. mining workforce; and (2) foreign mining academics and professionals being placed at U.S. institutions to help advance research and development initiatives in the U.S. mining industry and expand U.S. mining education and workforce development programs.
