The “Project Vault” initiative is intended to reduce U.S. reliance on China for key technology components.

© Steve Marcus/Reuters

A $20 million agency project will aid companies prospecting the sea for critical minerals.

© Tamir Kalifa for The New York Times

Karen Budd-Falen, the No. 3 at the Interior Department, didn’t disclose a $3.5 million water-rights contract between her husband and the developers of a Nevada mine, records show.

© Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Companies like Phoenix Tailings, which recently began producing metal in New Hampshire, are using new processing methods to compete with Chinese suppliers.

© Tony Luong for The New York Times