Hosted by Meridian International Center

The United States, Mexico, and Canada are racing to build a coordinated North American framework for critical minerals. On February 4, 2026, the U.S. and Mexico announced a first-of-its-kind Action Plan on Critical Minerals, while Canada, through its 2025 G7 presidency, launched the Critical Minerals Production Alliance.

Yet the success of a trilateral “critical minerals club” will depend on state, provincial, and local leadership, those closest to the projects and who have the most to gain from getting it right. From mining permits and processing facilities to transportation networks and workforce development, subnational innovation will be the engine of North america's supply chain integration. This session will examine how state and local governments can advance cross-border cooperation, attract investment, and strengthen North America's position in the global critical minerals economy.