Volato Group and M2i Global have unveiled plans for establishing and managing the first Strategic Minerals Reserve (SMR) in the US, ensuring a stable supply of vital minerals and metals necessary for national defence, clean energy initiatives, and industrial dominance.
The SMR, to be located at the Hawthorne Army Depot in Mineral County, Nevada, will focus on the storage, refinement, and distribution of critical minerals such as gallium, graphite, and copper.
The initiative follows a report by the Hoover Institution advocating for a US-led critical minerals stockpile that is backed by collaborative planning with federal and state agencies, including the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED).
The GOED has expressed support for M2i Global's long-term investment in Nevada's economy and workforce.
GOED executive director Tom Burns said: “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 initiative encompasses the establishment of secure storage and logistical operations within a federally controlled site, which boasts connectivity to rail and intermodal infrastructure.
Additionally, the SMR will feature refining and recycling capabilities to bridge the domestic processing gap.
A key component of the SMR is its commitment to ethical sourcing and traceability, which involves procuring materials from US-allied nations and certified partners.
The SMR will also employ advanced AI forecasting tools designed to predict future material needs and to optimise inventory management.
Moreover, the SMR is dedicated to fostering workforce development by creating collaborative partnerships with Nevada's universities, training centres, and technical institutes.
The initiative is expected to drive economic growth in the Hawthorne region, creating high-quality jobs and attracting federal investment to bolster national security.
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.”
The SMR has secured backing from government entities, including the Department of Defence, the Defence Logistics Agency, and the Department of Energy. It is also actively contracting partners in the private sector and abroad to enhance refining and recycling activities within the country.
In a related development, Nimy Resources, a nickel exploration and mining company, entered into a non-binding collaboration agreement with M2i Global in February.
This partnership is set to secure a steady supply of gallium for the US Department of Defence’s technological applications, enhancing the defence and economic security of the US and its allies.
