Pakistan, Aug. 8 -- The US government plans to invest $3 billion in critical minerals and battery projects. President Donald Trump announced the move on Friday.

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The investment aims to increase domestic production and strengthen US defence supply chains. Trump said critical minerals are essential for national security and industrial strength. He also called for more mining and processing inside the United States. The administration wants to reduce dependence on Chinese supplies.

Several major investments were announced during a meeting with mining executives. The Defence Department offered a $1.4 billion conditional loan to Sila Nanotechnologies. The company produces compone...