Trump administration moves to recycle e-waste into domestic critical minerals

President Donald Trump signed a directive authorizing the Commerce Department to ban the export of electronic waste containing critical minerals, a move intended to foster a domestic recycling industry. The U.S. currently exports about 30,000 metric tons of e-waste each year, with Malaysia as the primary destination, while firms such as Li-Cycle and Ascend Elements have recently declared bankruptcy. In contrast, Cyclic Materials is building a commercial plant in Mesa, Arizona, slated to handle roughly 25,000 tonnes of rare-earth magnets annually, with additional sites planned in South Carolina and Canada.

CEO Ahmad Ghahreman described the export ban as an "important moment" for the rare-earth market, noting that recycling could create a second supply chain alongside mining. Senate leaders, including Martin Heinrich and Sheldon Whitehouse, indicated that permitting reform negotiations will continue despite the upcoming August recess. Meanwhile, the administration also proposed easing Obama-era Arctic drilling rules and announced other energy-related initiatives, such as a new solar project in Oklahoma backed by Google and a nationwide blackout in Cuba affecting nearly 10 million people. Democrats have requested detailed records on the administration’s deals with 14 critical-mineral companies, citing potential billions in government support.