US, UAE strike $1.8B critical mineral venture amid China tensions and Gulf rivalry 

A new US-UAE consortium targeting critical minerals is emerging at a pivotal moment for global supply chains as Gulf states eye major roles in this strategic sector. 

On Oct. 23, US-based Orion Resource Partners announced the launch of the Orion Critical Minerals Consortium, a $1.8 billion platform backed by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ that will invest in securing critical metals vital to advanced technologies — from iPhone batteries to military hardware. 

The move underscores the deepening alignment between Washington and Gulf allies as they look to counter China’s dominance in minerals refining and supply chains. It also highlights how the United Arab Emirates is edging ahead of regional rival Saudi Arabia in translating mining ambitions into concrete US partnerships as Riyadh seeks similar inroads. 

Details: The consortium, led by New York-based investment firm Orion, aims to mobilize up to $5 billion to develop “secure, responsible and resilient” mineral supply chains for the United States and its allies, per a press release.