Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 26, Volato Group and M2i Global have announced plans to establish the United States’ first Strategic Minerals Reserve (SMR) at the Hawthorne Army Depot in Mineral County, Nevada. The initiative focuses on storing, refining, and distributing critical minerals such as gallium, graphite, and copper, essential for defense, clean energy, and industrial applications.

The initiative follows a report by the Hoover Institution advocating for a US-led critical minerals stockpile.

The project aligns with a Hoover Institution report advocating for a U.S.-led critical minerals stockpile, supported by collaborative efforts with federal and state agencies, including the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). Tom Burns, GOED Executive Director, stated: “Nevada’s abundance in critical minerals presents an opportunity to drive innovation and economic opportunities across our state and beyond, which is why international manipulation of the markets for lithium and other critical minerals presents a real threat. Because of the importance of critical minerals to our national security and global competitiveness, we therefore applaud these efforts demonstrated by M2i Global and the Hoover Institution. Securing this supply chain is vital to our national security, and Nevada has the resources to produce and stockpile these critical minerals.”

The SMR will feature secure storage and logistics at a federally controlled site with access to rail and intermodal infrastructure. It will also include refining and recycling capabilities to address domestic processing needs. The initiative emphasizes ethical sourcing and traceability, procuring materials from U.S.-allied nations and verified partners. Advanced AI forecasting tools will be employed to predict material requirements and optimize inventory management.

The project is expected to stimulate economic growth in the Hawthorne region by creating high-quality jobs and attracting federal investment. It will also foster workforce development through partnerships with Nevada’s universities, training centers, and technical institutes. M2i Global CEO, Major General (Ret.) Alberto Rosende, said: “The Strategic Minerals Reserve represents a new kind of readiness, one that blends innovation, industry, and infrastructure. It’s about creating a durable advantage for the U.S. across economic and defence priorities.”

Supported by the Department of Defense, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Department of Energy, the SMR is actively engaging private-sector and international partners to enhance domestic refining and recycling operations. In February, Nimy Resources, a nickel exploration company, signed a non-binding collaboration agreement with M2i Global to secure a steady gallium supply for U.S. Department of Defense technological applications, further supporting defense and economic objectives.