US Commits $10 Million to Critical Mineral Recycling Push
The United States has pledged $10 million to support the recovery of critical minerals from waste in India and Southeast Asia, as part of wider Quad efforts to reduce dependence on single suppliers. The commitment was announced after foreign ministers from India, the United States, Japan and Australia met in Atlanta on Saturday.
The funding will go toward building infrastructure and facilities where important minerals can be extracted from electronic waste and scrap. The Quad sees recycling as a practical way to diversify supply chains for materials that are vital to modern industries.
The pledge forms part of a broader package that also includes more than $85 million in technical and financial assistance for trusted artificial intelligence access across the Indo-Pacific. The joint statement did not specify how much each member will contribute to that AI effort or how the money will be distributed.
The four countries will encourage private investment in waste collection networks, processing plants and refineries. They also plan to explore ways to simplify cross-border import and export procedures for recyclable materials, which could make it easier for recycling businesses to operate across national boundaries.
The ministers expressed serious concern over economic pressure tactics, including arbitrary export restrictions. They also criticized non-market policies and practices that lead to overproduction and disrupt supply chains for important industries. The statement did not name any country in this context.
Beyond minerals, the Quad is forming its first Business Leaders Forum. The body will bring together industry leaders, government officials and policy experts to strengthen business ties and promote agreements in key sectors. Export credit agencies from the four nations will meet in Tokyo on November 18 to identify areas of practical collaboration.
The critical minerals framework and the maritime surveillance cooperation initiative were announced in May 2026, while export credit cooperation among the agencies is based on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024.
The ministers also reviewed the first Quad Fuel Security Forum, held in September, which focused on strengthening strategic petroleum reserves and fuel stockpiles. Their meeting in Atlanta was held alongside the G20 foreign ministers' gathering and lasted about 40 minutes, according to Japan.
The ministers said they look forward to the upcoming Quad Leaders' Summit and the next ministerial-level meeting, signaling continued momentum behind the group's agenda on technology, resources and regional security.